Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting at the courthouse Thursday morning. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams gave the report on the sales tax collections in the month of September. Williams reported the General Revenue Fund received $112,218.61 in December which is up $20,868.80 from the 2017 amount collected in September. Year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund is up $135,609.90 which comes to about 21.33%. A similar amount was collected in the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund for September. Williams said the Road and Bridge Fund received $53,432.33 and that is up from the $42,246.54 collected in September 2017. The increase year-to-date in that fund is $56,578.27 and that increase is 19.14% over last year. Williams reported each jail fund raised $106,210.51 in September. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6500, 5630 and 5650 while ditch work and a crossover pipe for a low water crossing is being installed on county road 5130. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on county roads 2070 and 2110 while only grading would be done on Dent County Road 5260. Larson said the low water crossing on county road 2070 is now open to traffic. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he and the other commissioners attended the Community Betterment Judges visit to Salem on Monday. He also said he attended the MRPC External Relations and board meeting Thursday night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the collector and assessor on all abatements, collections and add-ons for August. She also said people need to be registered to vote for the November General Election by October 10th. She said the state will be sending out postcards next week to citizens who would be eligible to vote but are not currently registered in an effort to get people registered in time for the November election. If you receive one of these postcards and you are already a registered voter, please disregard it. The commissioners approved the bid from Dent County Glass and Door to make the west doors to the courthouse handicapped accessible using a push button system to open the doors automatically for entry or exit as well as all applicable hardware for $4,280. The commission agreed to revise the ordinance for getting an ATV/UTV permit from a lifetime permit to an annual permit. They will sign the revised ordinance once the annual stickers arrive and the ordinance will then be in effect from that date forward. The Board opened new grader bids at 10:00 from Erb Equipment Company and Fabick. After a long discussion and comparison of the options and features of each machine, the board elected to purchase two new Fabick Cat graders with the steering wheel option. These machines feature a five year/5,000 hour warranty and have a buy back after five years of $110,000. These graders will be delivered sometime in late January or February. The next meeting of the commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An ABATE Fundraiser for the South Central Missouri Chapter will be held this Sunday as they will hold a Poker Run that will begin with registration at 10:00 at the Whispering Pines Campground on Route ZZ in Jadwin. The run begins at 11:00 as the ride will go to Akers Ferry, Double O in Eminence, JB Malones in Salem and back to Whispering Pine. Drivers must have a drivers/motorcycle license and everyone signs a waiver at the time of registration. The cost is $10 for the first hand and $5.00 for each additional hand. The best hand wins $50. For more information, contact Dale Williams at 573-453-0000.

Healthy Dent County and the Salem Memorial District Hospital invites you to join them for a great evening at the Community Wellness Expo today at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. The event begins at 5:00 and will last until 7:00. This is a free community event to showcase the wellness of ourselves and our community. There will be interactive booths with hospitals, doctors’ offices, eye doctors, chiropractors, dentists, first responders, along with additional health providers. If you bring a canned good or non-perishable food item, you will receive a ticket to win prizes. You will receive one ticket for every item you bring in so if you bring in ten cans of food, you get ten tickets. The more you donate, the better your chances are to win prizes. All donations will be given to Sacred Heart Food Pantry. If you have any questions about the Community Wellness Expo, please call 729-8163.

On Monday, Community Betterment Judges Dean and Ava Lingner of Lathrop, MO visited Salem for the annual awards competition. During their visit, Salem was able to showcase local community projects accomplished since the last awards competition. Participating communities will be recognized at the 55th Annual MCB Conference that will be held in Columbia on October 14th and 15th. Governor Parson will be presenting the awards beginning at 5:00 on the 15th. All community members, friends and youth are invited to attend the informative educational sessions and awards competition where the winners of the adult leadership, youth leadership, community awards and community youth award group award will be recognized. Registration to event is open to anyone and can be made the MCB website: www.MOCommunityBetterment.com.

Come and join the fun and camaraderie at the 2018 Fall Rendezvous of the Missouri Fur Trappers Association this Friday and Saturday from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening, and from 8:00 until noon on Sunday. It will be held at the Commons in Salem in Missouri. Numerous types of vendors will be in attendance. There will be something for the whole family to enjoy. Tent camping on the grounds is $15 per day, and electric hookups are available for $20 per day. If you want reservations for campsites with electrical and water hookups, you can call Sarah Myers at (573) 453-6551. A schedule of events that will occur daily at the event is available at the Missouri Fur Trappers Association website: www.missouritrappers.com.

University of Missouri Extension will host a Management Intensive Grazing School September 26th through 28th at the MU Hugo Wurdack Research Center near Cook Station. The three-day program will include guest speakers covering the topics of grazing system layout and design, watering systems, fence systems, soil fertility, livestock nutrition, and forage growth and quality. Additionally, extensive farm tours will be included to allow participants to receive training on grazing system utilization. The cost of the three-day school is $135 per person or $215 per farm couple. This fee includes the cost of meals, resource books and other handout materials pertinent to the course. Space is limited for this program, and registration along with full payment is required by September 20th. For more information, please contact Rachel Hopkins, MU Extension Ag Business Specialist at (573) 438-2671. To register, contact the Dent County Extension office at 573-729-3196, or visit www.extension.missouri.edu/dent.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has stated that a new scam is going on around the local area. Local people have been called saying they will be arrested on outstanding warrants. Individuals are being instructed to call a 1-803 number to keep from being arrested. The originating call is coming from South Carolina. THIS IS A SCAM! Please do not call the number they give you and do NOT give out any personal information if you do call. DO NOT SEND MONEY or give them credit card or bank numbers. If you receive this type of call, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The State of Missouri has been granted more time to comply with stricter identification requirements under the Real ID Act. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted Missouri a grace period through January 21st, 2019. The current extension ends October 10th. During this grace period, federal agencies will accept Missouri-issued driver licenses and ID cards for official purposes, including domestic air travel. Missouri Department of Revenue officials expect the state to be compliant with the Real ID Act in March 2019.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board postponed bids on the Wastewater Treatment Facility Phase I improvements contracts until October due to the possibility of getting a $500,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources. Archer Engineering is investigating this possibility. The board approved the purchase of two dump beds for the Street Department from Crown Beds for $6,950 each. The board also approved the bid from Napa Auto Parts for an All-Tel Diagnostic Scanning Tool for $6,340.00. City Administrator Ray Walden reported that Healthy Dent County at the Salem Community Center@The Armory had 5,144 participants during the month of August. Walden said the Community Betterment judges were in town for their visit Monday afternoon. Walden said he wanted to publicly apologize to the community for not addressing a number of issues that are currently ongoing in the community. He said a code enforcement module that will link code enforcement online with the Salem Police will be installed soon. He also said a workshop meeting with he, Jarred Brown and Attorney William Camm Seay about the code enforcement processes will be held. Walden also said the city should take the lead when it comes to nuisance issues on their property. He provided to the alderman a booklet on code enforcement recommendations for a small town. He asked them to review the booklet and make recommendations they feel would be beneficial. He provided a list of projects to the media affecting all departments that still need to be completed. The board approved the Fall Clean-Up Week as recommended by WCA from October 8th through the 12th. They also approved sending City Clerk Mary Happel as the employer delegate to the LAGERS meeting to be held October 25th and 26th at the Sheraton Chalet Hotel in Westport. The employee delegate has not yet been determined. The next meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen will be held on Monday, October 1st at 7:00 Hall Council Chambers. The board then went into closed session.

The Dent County Sheriffs Office has released some reports. On Tuesday, August 28th, deputies responded to a report of an assault at a residence on Dent County Road 4215. After an investigation, a black zipper case which contained three broken glass pipes and a plastic baggie containing visible residue were located. A pipe tested positive for methamphetamine. As a result, a 44-year old Salem woman was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Friday, August 31st, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 200 block of Route ZZ. After a short investigation, a baggie of marijuana and a grinder were located. The driver, a 26-year old Salem man, was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. He was found to have a warrant for his arrest and was issued summons for driving while having his license revoked, careless and imprudent driving, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was fingerprinted and released after posting bond. On Saturday, September 1st, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 West at Dent County Road 4185. After a short investigation, a blue glass smoking pipe that field tested for the presence of THC was located. As a result, a 37-year old Salem woman was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. Later that day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 6180. The driver, a 21-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving without a valid license. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. That evening, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Route K and Route Z. The driver, a 32-year old Salem man, was arrested for warrants from Dent County, Salem Police Department and Crawford County. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

An accident happened Monday morning at 10:25 in Phelps County on Highway 63 at Route K. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Dodge Neon, driven eastbound by 24-year old Elsie Rymer of Salem, failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a 2015 Dodge Durango driven southbound by 58-year old Janet Mohrman of Raymondville in the side. A passenger in the Durango, 77-year old Margaret Lane of Licking, received minor injuries and sought her own treatment. The Dodge Neon sustained extensive damage and was removed by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem, while the Dodge Durango sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene. Everyone was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

Join you friends at Echo Bluff and the Dent County Astronomers for another unbelievable night sky viewing as everyone will gather on the “Sky Porch,” as it has come to be known, at the Bluff Top Pavilion to enjoy the company of Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, and Mars! The event will take place on September 15th from 7:30 to 9:30 in the evening. Everyone’s welcome!

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated that on Sunday he received a report of a tree blocking Dent County Road 4080. It was removed. He said the southern part of the county received more than five inches of rain from Friday through Saturday. Patch grading will be done where needed on roads affected by the rain. Purcell stated grading would be done on county roads 2400, 4220, 5590, 5610 and 6090. He went on to say that a crossover pipe will be installed on Dent County Road 4080 and the crossover pipes will be cleaned out on county road 5015. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicted grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2320, 2330 and 4380 while materials would be added and grading done on county road 4060. Larson said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 2240, 2300, 4380 and 5260. He also said roads would be checked for possible washouts where heavier rains fell. Larson did report that the concrete slab on Dent County Road 2070 was poured last Thursday. He said the road will remain closed through Thursday morning to allow the concrete to fully cure. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles met with the Community Betterment Representatives on their visit to Salem Monday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated her office balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of August and the commissioners signed off on the report. She also stated she attended the Missouri Association of County Clerk and Election Authority Conference last week. She said they discussed a number of state issues and resolutions that were made at the conference. At 10:00, Commissioner Gary Larson brought up that a petition was received on August 9th to close the 0.466 miles at end of Dent County Road 2083. The landowner owns the property on all three sides of the road and would like to close it off to the public. Larson said the petitions have been in three public locations for the last month. There were no objections and the commission unanimously voted to vacate that section of Dent County Road 2083. Richard LaBrash from the American Volunteers was in attendance and thanked the commission for the beautiful plaque that was presented to Medal of Honor recipient Donald “Doc” Ballard on his visit to Salem. He also said the Missouri Fur Trappers Association will hold their fall rendezvous at The Commons this weekend starting on Friday and lasting through Sunday. The event is open to the public and the American Volunteers will be there preparing meals for the group. He also brought attention to an event that will be held on October 20th that will begin at The Commons called ‘Ride for America.” This event is being sponsored by Cowtown USA in association with the American Volunteers that will allow four-wheelers, ATV’s, UTV’s and RTV’s to drive a prescribed course through Dent County that will be between 75 to 100 miles in length on Dent County Roads. LaBrash was joined by Sheriff Bob Wells who is helping with the event. Those vehicles in the event will need to have a Dent County ATV permit which must be purchased through the Dent County Clerk’s Office. LaBrash said with this being the first event like this in Dent County, he expects to have between 300-500 participants. Cowtown and the American Volunteers would like to make this an annual event. The Commissioners reviewed the policy on the permitting of ATV’s and UTV’s in Dent County and discussed changing it from a lifetime one time purchase to an annual fee for each vehicle. This has been discussed before as the county does not require a visible sticker on the machines being driven that verify county compliance, but no action had been taken. The commission may possibly amend their ATV permit ordinance at the next meeting which will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The High School Art Club is offering to paint downtown business windows again with Fall or Halloween designs. Please see flyer attached for more details, and contact Amber Pryor at the Salem High School at 729-6641 to sign up or for more information. This is a great chance to showcase our local students’ artistic talents, draw attention to your business, and brighten our community with some awesome art! Only 12 spots available – sign up fast!

Healthy Dent County and the Salem Memorial District Hospital invites you to join them for a great evening at the Community Wellness Expo on Thursday evening, September 13th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, located at 1200 West Rolla Road in Salem. The event begins at 5:00 and will last until 7:00. This is a free community event to showcase the wellness of ourselves and our community. There will be interactive booths with hospitals, doctors’ offices, eye doctors, chiropractors, dentists, first responders, along with additional health providers. If you bring a canned good or non-perishable food item, you will receive a ticket to win prizes. You will receive one ticket for every item you bring in so if you bring in ten cans of food, you get ten tickets. The more you donate, the better your chances are to win prizes. All donations will be given to Sacred Heart Food Pantry. If you have any questions about the Community Wellness Expo, please call 573-729-8163.

The Midwest Blue Oval Club presents the Current River Blue Oval Rally Saturday at the Dent County Courthouse Square. The show this year is presented by everythingcinema.biz. All makes and models are welcome to be exhibited at the show. The gates will open at 8:00 RAIN OR SHINE and the entry fee is $20 with the first 25 vehicles registered receiving a free event T-shirt. Numerous awards will be presented at 2:00 sponsored by Larson Collision Center and Larson Rental Cars. The Rally will include free entertainment including performances by the Salem Marching Blue Band, the Salem Academy of Dance, the Salem High School Choir, the Second Time Around Band and others. You will also find arts and craft vendors as well as numerous food items. Later at 6:00, there will be a “town cruise” with the cars congregating at Scoops in the Crossroads Shopping Center to drive the old Salem loop! On Sunday, the vehicles will meet around the courthouse square and cruise to Echo Bluff State Park for a lunch provided by Curt’s Mobile Homes. The events will be held no matter what the weather does and everyone is invited out to the Rally!!! For more information about the Midwest Blue Oval Club or the Rally, go online to this website: www.MidwestBlueOval.Club. Proceeds from this event will go to Salem High School Band Parents, Love Pack Back Pack, and the Shepard’s Nook Food Pantry.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Courthouse. Sonny Johns was in with questions and concerns about the condition of Dent County Road 6090. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell noted that new pipes had been installed on the road. Purcell said that grading and ditch work would take place on that road next week. In the road report Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2450, 2490 and 4210. He also noted that he was four men short on Thursday. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that 30 yards of concrete was being poured Thursday on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 2070. He said they should be finished Thursday and that the road would remain closed until late next week to give the concrete time to fully cure. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that Saturday night he had the privilege of meeting Medal of Honor Winner Donald “Doc” Ballard at the community welcome and presenting him a plaque on behalf of Dent County thanking Ballard for his service. Deputy County Clerk Crystal Pilkington said that payroll was being paid. Kenny Shaw was in to discuss his unemployment claims being denied. The Commissioners all said that they are not protesting his claims and would help him continue his efforts to get his unemployment benefits. Commissioner Larson said that on Monday he will get with Road Foreman Sam Gorman and they will call the unemployment office. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday at 9:00 AM in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is now offering an all-online bowhunter education course for Missouri residents 16 year and older. The new course offers a more flexible and convenient options to become bowhunter education certified. The online course includes videos and animations to teach bowhunter safety, archery and crossbow safety, ethics, regulations, and wildlife management. Bowhunter certification in Missouri is still voluntary, but some managed or urban hunting opportunities may require it. Other states may also require bowhunter education and will accept this Missouri online course. The course can also be an excellent refresher course for veteran bowhunters. Each student will receive a temporary bowhunter education certificate once they complete and pass the 60-question final exam with an 80% or higher. The fee for the all-online course is $30, which is paid directly to the online provider. Individuals 15 years or younger are still required to complete the in-person bowhunter education course to receive certification. For more information on the course, go online to mdc.mo.gov and type in the search box “bowhunting education.”

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. The bills for the month of August were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed that showed a General Revenue balance of $137,103.90. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 24 calls for the month of May including 5 structure fires, 2 brush fires, 11 first responder, 3 vehicle accidents, a haz-mat call for a gas leak and two trainings. There has been 211 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $115.27. In new business, the Fire Board approved Resolution 2018-02 that authorized the chairman of the board to enter into a legal service agreement with John Williams Group, LC, approved Ordinance 2018-ORD-01 that authorizes the district to assess and collect fees and charges for individuals that reside outside the district but who receives services within the district, approved Ordinance 2018-ORD-02 that allowing the district to authorize and implement fees and charges for responding to fires or emergencies outside the corporate boundaries of the district, and the board also approved Ordinance 2018-ORD-03 that allows the district to authorize and implement fees and charges for responding to hazardous substance releases. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.

There will be a Community Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive in Salem today from 1:00 until 6:00 at the First Baptist Church at 201 North McArthur. Supplies of type “O” positive, “O” negative and “A” positive blood are all at less than normal supply levels. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Cindy Sachs at 729-4241.

The Salem Public Library will hold a program called “Dinosaurs” this morning! Preschool program of stories, songs, rhymes and crafts at the Salem Public Library building. The time of the program is 10:30 in the morning until 11:15. For more information, call 729-4331.

Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. The George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s 2018-2019 Seedling Order Form provides images and information on available items, along with ordering information. Find it in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at Department of Conservation regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. or call 573-674-3229. Orders this year can be placed now through April 15th, 2019. Supplies are limited so order early. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, beautyberry, buttonbush, holly, dogwood, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, pawpaw, spicebush, elderberry, serviceberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 22 to 90 cents per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1% will be added to orders unless your entity is tax exempt. There is an $8 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number.

According to a report from the Houston Herald, the Licking Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday morning at Town and Country Bank in Licking on Highway 32 east. Police say a white male was wearing a Mizzou hoodie and jeans when he entered the bank around 9:40 in the morning with a pistol. He is described as about 5 foot, 10 inches and heavy set. According to the report, the man fled on foot southbound from the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. Authorities said that no one was hurt in the incident. Anyone who may have been in the area and saw anything that might be important to the investigation is encouraged to report it to 9-1-1. The FBI is expected to join the investigation.

The Dent County Health Board held their tax rate hearing on August 20th. Administrator Kendra Mobray explained the documentation received from the State Auditor’s office had set the tax rate ceiling for the coming year at 9.53 cents per $100 assessed valuation which is a slight increase from the 9.51 cents per $100 assessed valuation received for the current year. After discussion, the Board agreed to set the tax rate at the Current Year Tax Rate Ceiling of 9.53 cents per $100 assessed valuation. Following the tax rate hearing, the board held their regular meeting. Administrator Mobray reported flu shots have been ordered and Flu shot clinics will begin mid-September. Mobray said the Health Center will be giving flu shots at the upcoming Community Wellness Expo. They are able to bill most insurance. The cost of quadrivalent flu shots (without insurance) is $37. She said Health Center nurses worked closely with school nurses to make them aware of the immunization status of students. Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided to 45 clients in July and that Oak-Hill R-1 school district superintendent Doug Dunn signed the Memorandum of Understanding to continue their partnership for the 2018-2019 school year. Mobray reported there was a slight decrease in the WIC caseload from 462 in fiscal year 2018 to 441 for fiscal year 2019. These decreasing trends have been experienced by several agencies across the state. Mobray reported she and Joan Raulston are working closely with the Prevention Coalition on a recent grant the coalition received to raise adolescent awareness of the dangers associated with tobacco and nicotine use. Mobray reported the Health Center is scheduling flu shot clinics at local businesses. If you are interested in a clinic at your place of business or job site, call 573-729-3106. The meeting was then adjourned.

A Quilt Exhibit will be on display from September 10th through October 13th, Monday through Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center at 202 S. Main St. This event is being presented by the Current River Scrappers Quilt Guild. Admission to the event is free. The guild will be collecting quilts from individuals who would like to have their quilts exhibited. You can bring your quilt in today, tomorrow or Friday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM to the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center. Please be prepared to write a short description of each quilt submitted. For more information, call the ONCRC at (573) 729-0029.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 10:05 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about three miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a deer jumped from a rock bluff and struck the windshield of a southbound 2007 Ford Escape driven by 62-year old Paul Worsey of Rolla. The deer broke through the windshield and trapped the driver inside. Worsey was extricated from the vehicle with moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Phelps County Ambulance. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing of Rolla.

The Current River State Park invites the public to delve deeper into caves and the subterranean ecosystems of the Ozarks at the park’s first-ever Cave-In education event that will be held this Friday and Saturday at and near the park. The Cave-In is a coordinated effort by the Missouri Speleological Survey, Cave Research Foundation, Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy, Missouri Bat Census, Missouri State Parks, Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Mark Twain National Forest. Beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday, there will be a wide variety of activities offered, including demonstrations, displays at the park, as well as cave tours at nearby Round Spring. At 7:30 Friday night, there will be a Bat Hike and Watch at the park. The hike will be about two miles, and hikers are encouraged to wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Insect repellent is also recommended. Current River State Park is located on Hwy. 19 approximately 23 miles south of Salem, and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, call Connie Weber at 573-751-1224.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday morning, August 17th at about 10:24, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-year old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, August 18th at about 4:27 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East First Street in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 36-year old male of Salem who was intoxicated and making threatening gestures towards a neighbor. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court for disorderly conduct and released. On Monday afternoon, August 20th at approximately 3:23, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a surveillance video of a male suspect taking merchandise valued at $1,103.00. The report is under investigation. That same evening near 7:12, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1500 block of South Water in reference to someone trespassing. The investigation of the report revealed an 18-year old male of Salem entered a residence without permission. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same evening at 10:58, an officer transported a 47-year old male of Raymondville from the Texas County Jail to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that during the month of September 2018, Troop I officers will participate in a hazardous moving operation. Special emphasis will be placed on excessive speed, following too close, improper lane changes, and driving while impaired violations. Troopers will concentrate their efforts in areas where, in the past, traffic crashes have occurred as a result of these violations. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their September meeting tonight at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda as well as the minutes from the August meeting, the Board will review and approve bills. The Board review financial reports for the district and there will be a review of the calendar for upcoming events. The monthly reimbursement report will be presented and the Board will address any old or new business. In new business the Board will review and sign new ordinances from USDA followed by various reports. The Board may then vote to go into closed session to discuss personnel, if necessary and they will also set the date for the October meeting to be held at the station beginning at 6:00 pm. The September meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

Route A in Reynolds and Shannon Counties will be reduced to one lane while Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. This section of road is located from Highway 72 in Reynolds County to Highway 19 in Shannon County. Weather permitting, work will take place starting this morning at about 11:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon, and on Wednesday and Thursday, from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636)

The Dent County Commissioners met for the regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 6080 and 6470, plus ditch work would be done and grading would be done on county roads 5600 and 6190. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 3283 and 2390, while materials would be added to county roads 2010, 2110 and 2070. Larson went on to say that due to the heavy rains on Wednesday patch grading of washouts would be done on county roads 2010, 2110, 4290, 4283, 4040, and 4260. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that Wednesday he attended the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee meeting in St. James. He said the Committee reviewed the budget and training opportunities for emergency responders. Skiles noted that several training opportunities are available for volunteer fire departments and those departments with interest in finding out what’s available should contact Tammy at (573) 265- 2993. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that her office has an Internal Control and Management Policy ready for review by the Commissioners and that policy will need to be approved after their review and possible modifications are made. At 10:00 bids were opened for a pickup for the Road and Bridge Department. B & B Motors had the low bid of $8,560.00 for a 2009 Dodge D150 Crew Cab 4X4. Purchase of the pickup was approved 3-0. The Courthouse is closed Monday for Labor Day and the next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

This will be a busy Labor Day Weekend in Salem with “Ron’s Race for a Reason” starting this morning at the Flat Nasty-Off Road Park to benefit the American Volunteers. Admission to the park is $12.00 for adults with breakfast being served by the volunteers for $7.00. They will also be serving lunch and dinner as well as breakfast through Sunday morning. The big event will be the Cross Country Race for trucks and side-by-sides that will be held Saturday morning at 10:00. There is a $25 entry fee and there will be a 100% payback with the purse already over $3,000. Anyone who would like to enter the race is welcome and the event is open to spectators. The winners of the race will receive their checks from the only living Medal of Honor recipient in Missouri: Donald “Doc” Ballard. Also on Saturday, a snow machine will be making snow at Flat Nasty for children and those young at heart to enjoy. A raffle will be also held for two rifles and a pistol with the proceeds benefiting the American Volunteers. For more information about the raffle, contact Richard LaBrash at 729-3196. Later Saturday afternoon, there will be a Community Welcome for “Doc” Ballard at the Indian Trail Archery on Highway 19 North starting at 5:30 with a short presentation. After a short film presentation, there will be a meet and greet with Doc Ballard with photo opportunities. The MRCA/URA Rodeo will be held Saturday night and Sunday night at The Commons starting at 7:30 each evening sponsored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday evening, there will be a special “Red, White and Blue Salute” to our veterans at the beginning of the rodeo with Medal of Honor Recipient “Doc” Ballard attending. There will be all kinds of vendors at the rodeo with food and merchandise, plus this year you can ride a mechanical bull! You will see barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, calf roping and bull riding! Advance tickets in advance are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 5-11. Tickets are aavailable at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and all the local banks. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Also this Saturday and Sunday, Whispering Pines Campground and Horse Farm will be hosting a Hippie Fest! It’s Missouri’s grooviest camping festival! Tickets are only available online at HippieFest.org. And on Monday, Labor Day, enjoy the Salute to the Forestry Industry parade from Highway 32-72 north on McArthur then down to the courthouse square starting at 11:00. See a variety of logging equipment, trucks and more! Following the parade Monday, head out to The Commons for Timber Fun Days where there will be a number of games, exhibits, challenges and competitions starting at 12:00 noon. There is no charge to attend. Make it a fun Labor Day Weekend in Dent County!