Local News

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.

An enrollment specialist with the Veteran’s Administration will be at the Walker-Roney American Legion Post #99 on Highway 32 West from 9:00 until 12:00 noon TODAY! Anyone wanting to ask questions about or become enrolled in VA healthcare should attend. This event is open to all veterans.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated with the rain received on Sunday, grading will be done on Dent County Roads 5400, 5420, 6380, 6410, 6600 and 6620. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported his district did not get the same rainfall and grading would be done on county road 2050 if there is enough moisture. He did say materials would be added to Dent County Road 2240 and brush would be cut on county road 2270. He went on to report that a tree would be removed on county road 2055 and that a crew is still working on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5300. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Region IHomeland Security Oversight Committee meeting held last Thursday and said they reviewed and approved four grants in the amount of $63,938.99. This Thursday, Skiles will be attending a CCAM Board of Directors meeting to begin work on the 2019 Commissioner annual training that is held in February. Skiles said there was a vacancy on the MRDC board at the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and asked Commissioner Larson to fill that opening. He agreed to accept the appointment. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley wants to remind everyone that this Wednesday will be the last day to have a ballot mailed out. Absentee voting continues through Monday at 5:00 at her office and that includes this Saturday when the Clerk’s Office will be open from 8:00 until noon. She wants to remind everyone that this is a PRIMARY election and everyone who votes will have to chose a party affiliation or cast a non-partisan ballot. On Tuesday, August 7th, the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. For more information about absentee voting, verifying your voter information or mailing out a ballot, contact the Dent County Clerk’s Office at 729-4144 or stop by the courthouse. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Health Center will be closed today from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm due to a death of a family member in our DCHC family. The Health Center apologizes for any inconvenience.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held a public hearing on proposed new sewer rates at the City Hall Council Chambers Monday night. John Hambacker addressed the board and was concerned about those who water gardens or use water that does not go into the sewer system. City Administrator Ray Walden showed Hambacker a “deduction” meter that measures the water used for services like gardening, pools, etc. where water is used that will not go into the city sewer system. The gallons on the “deduction” meter will be credited from the sewer bill provided the meter is not tampered with each month it is in use at the sewer rate that is in effect at that time. Those temporary “deduction” meters are available at the city utility office and there is a $120.00 deposit on the meter. Hambacker was also concerned about the amount of unbilled gallons of water such as the water used by MoDOT and other sources. Walden said the city could look into metering devices for the fire hydrants where thewater is taken to determine how much is actually being used that could possibly be billed by the city if the aldermen so desire. No one else spoke at the public hearing. After the public hearing, the alderman held a special meeting. The board approved Bill #3392 approving the proposed new water and sewer rates. The water rates for residents and businesses in the city limits will have a $6.00 base with a $5.39 volume rate per 1,000 gallons. For a manufacturer that uses more than 350,000 gallons a month, there is still a $6.00 base rate with a $3.47 volume rate per 1,000 gallons. For those residents and businesses who use city water and are outside the city limits, the base rate is $12.00 with a volume rate of $6.78 per 1,000 gallons. The sewer rates approved for residents and businesses include a $6.00 base rate with a $5.65 volume rate per 1,000 gallons. Other sewer rates apply to those outside the city limits on city utilities that include a $12.00 base rate and volume rate of $5.65 for every 1,000 gallons. There is also a rate for those who use their own water but have city sewer. The board also approved Bill #3393 that creates a School Resource Officer at the Salem R-80 School that will work at the school during the school year, and for the Salem Police Department when school is out. The board went on to approve Bill #3394 concerning electric rates. This bill says the rate increase or decrease in electric rates will be determined by comparing charges to the city from July through June by their wholesale supplier without the necessity of a vote of the Board of Alderman. Nothing in the bill prohibits the board enacting different rates for electric services at any time the wholesale supplier increases or decreases rates. The meeting was then adjourned. These new water and sewer rates will go into effect for the bills that will be sent out in August.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be holding a Public Hearing tonight at 6:00 on the new proposed City of Salem Sewer Rates in the city hall council chambers called by Mayor Brad Nash. Following the public hearing, the board will hold a special meeting to discuss Bill #3392 concerning the new proposed rates for water and the sewer services provided by the City of Salem. The board will also discuss Bill #3393 which would create an ordinance that would authorize the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Salem R-80 School District to establish a School Resource Officer program at the school. Also to be discussed will be Bill #3394 that would create an ordinance to amend the city ordinances pertaining to electric rates. The public hearing and special meeting are both open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Thursday morning, July 19th at approximately 10:17, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown stole a license plate valued at $27.75 off of a red 1999 Chevrolet Venture that was parked in the 100 block of Carnett Industrial Drive. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at approximately 5:35, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year old male of Newburg for stealing merchandise valued at $18.02. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. At approximately 1:32 in the morning on Friday, July 20th, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Lake Springs for the possession of marijuana. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That night at approximately 10:20, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 37-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Sunday morning, July 22nd, at about 12:05, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of the driver, a 33-year old male of Salem for numerous traffic violations. The suspect was handcuffed and placed on the ground after trying to flee the vehicle. At that time, a 23- year old male of Salem who was a passenger of the vehicle, interfered with the arrest which allowed the driver to flee in handcuffs. He was taken into custody for interfering with the arrest and incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. The 33-year-old driver was not located and is still at large. The incident is still under investigation. That same night at approximately 9:30, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 42-year old male of Pacific, Missouri for driving while having his license revoked, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and numerous traffic violations. Also arrested was a passenger, a 32-year old female of Pacific for possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and on an active arrest warrant from the State of Missouri. The suspects were incarcerated pending the applications for warrants. The next day morning on Monday, July 23rd at 10:12, an officer was dispatched to the 1200 block of East Second Street in reference to a theft. This investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took an air conditioner condensing unit valued at $3,200.00 from a residence. The report is under investigation. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Elvis Tribute Artists from around the United States will be gathering to compete for the title of Big E Champ on Saturday, August 4th, at the Rabun County Civic Center in Clayton, Georgia. Included among those artists competing will be Michael Florence of Salem. This is the 15th anniversary of the Big E Festival and Elvis Tribute Artists’ Competition. Good luck Michael!

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report that the CART Receipts for July were $61,771.21, which makes the year-to-date receipts up by $5,485.86 or 1.29%. The 2017 receipts for July were $57,834.86. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done, moisture permitting, on Dent County Roads 5360, 6590, 6470, and 6460. He went on to report that materials would be added to Dent County Road 6410, while brush was being cut on county roads 6020, 6570 and 4120. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that no grading would be done in his district due to a lack of moisture and that his entire crew was working on Dent County Road 5300 to prepare for the low water crossing, plus they are installing pipes on that road and materials were being added as well. He went on to say that truck #124 was having work done on the tailgate. Larson reported that Mike’s Generator Service had been in town to check and service the generator at Oak Grove Baptist Church. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending a Region I Homeland Security Over-site Committee meeting in St. James Thursday afternoon. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley noted that the Commissioners needed to set the date and time for the tax rate hearing. It was set for Monday, August 13th, at 10:00 am. She reminded voters that absentee voting continues in her office and that voters need to update their information if they have moved since the last election. Curley reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that phone bids were taken for 7,000 gallons of diesel with Phil Mart having the low bid at $2.27 per gallon. Commissioner Larson reported that phone bids were also taken for 2,000 gallons of gasoline and the lowest bid was by MFA at $2.3504 per gallon. Justin with Senator Claire McCaskills office was in for a visit. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Tuesday evening at 6:15 in Texas County on Highway 137 four miles south of Licking. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 34-year old Daniel Cooper of Mountain View, struck from behind a 2000 GMC Sierra, driven by 51-year old David Walker of Licking. The collision caused both vehicles to travel off the right side of the roadway resulting in the GMC rear-ending a 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, which resulted in the Traverse rear-ending a 1999 Buick Park Avenue. Walker suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to Texas County Memorial Hospital. The report stated that Walker was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident, however Cooper was not. The Silverado and Sierra sustained total damage and were towed by Jay’s towing. The Traverse sustained extensive damage, and the Buick sustained moderate damage. They were both left at the scene.

Extension Youth Program Assistant Linda Shelton has let KSMO know that there has been an adjustment to the Market Sale totals. Intercounty Electric and an anonymous donor floored the steer with the lowest price per pound at $2.50. That raised the sale price of the steer to $3125.00 and the sale total to $213,288.15.

Echo Bluff State Park invites the public to explore the Ozark region’s rich and colorful cultural history through family fun, traditional music and storytelling during the Hoots, Hollers, Songs and Signs concert beginning at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at the park’s amphitheater.  Missouri author and storyteller Rick Mansfield and his friends will use stories and traditional music to share fascinating tales about Ozark mountain folklore, traditions and legends, including accounts of traditional natural cures for all sorts of ailments. This event is free and open to the public.  Echo Bluff State Park is located on Hwy 19, approximately 25 miles south of Salem, and approximately 14 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, contact Connie at Echo Bluff State Park by calling 573-751-1224.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is accepting online applications now through August 5th for its next class of conservation agent trainees. Just visit the mdc.mo.gov homepage and click on “Careers” and then “Job Openings” to apply or to get more information including the salary range, duties and responsibilities, degree requirements, qualifications, and special-ability requirements. Selected candidates will undergo 26 weeks of intense training in all facets of law enforcement and resource management. Those who make the grade will receive county assignments and become the face of conservation in their assigned communities by enforcing the Wildlife Code of Missouri and helping the public with issues such as nuisance wildlife and land management. For more information, contact MDC Protection Programs Supervisor Cheryl Fey at 573-522-4115, ext. 3819 or Protection Programs Specialist Travis McLain at 573-522-4115, ext. 3261.

Musicians and listeners of all ages and talents are invited to the Salem Acoustic Community Jam starting at 6:30 Saturday, July 28^th at The Creative Arts Center. Bring your instruments and play along with the crew or just come to listen and pat your feet! There is no cost!

The Livestock Shows at the 4-H and FFA Expo culminated in the Cattle Show Friday afternoon and evening. Champion Hereford Heifer went to Ray Cunningham and Kenadee Barnitz won Reserve Champion. Bryce Mobray’s Angus Heifer was selected as Overall Grand Champion Heifer, while Ray Cunningham’s Hereford was Overall Reserve Grand Champion Female. Ray Cunningham exhibited the Champion Hereford Bull, while Texas Nall showed the Reserve Champion. In the Commercial Heifer division Brady Schafer showed the Champion and Kadden Garrison exhibited the Reserve Champion. The Market Steer show saw Judge Blake McDonald select class winners exhibited by Nick Holliday, Isabella Black, Logan Fleener, Ray Cunningham, Kenadee Barnitz, and Brett Fore. The Championship went to Kenadee Barnitz’ 1375 pound steer with Ray Cunningham’s 1300 pound steer being selected as Reserve Champion. Brett Fore’s steer was average daily gain Champion with an ADG of 5.34 pounds and Jordan Shults’ steer won Reserve Champion with a daily gain of 4.72 pounds. Fourteen Juniors, 5 Intermediates and 7 Seniors competed in the Beef Showmanship competition. In the Junior Division Ray Cunningham won the award, while the Junior Division winner was Kaden Garrison and the Senior Division was won by Kenadee Barnitz.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Sunday afternoon, July 15th at approximately 4:01, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of Highway 19 North in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a Jensen CD player valued at $100.00 from the dash of a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse. The report is under investigation. That night at approximately 10:09, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. The next day at approximately 1:57 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a fraudulent charge on an account. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown stole a debit card from a vehicle and used it to fraudulently withdraw $130.00 from a bank account. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday, July 17th at approximately 8:47 at night, an officer transported a 38-year old female of Salem from the Phelps County Jail to Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri State Fair competition schedule is officially underway this Thursday, July 26th, beginning with the 4-H and FFA Horse Show, followed by the prestigious Society Horse Show, Tuesday, July 31st. These events are open to the public at no charge. Show classes for 4-H and FFA youth will be held July 26th through 29th, with events taking place in the Mathewson Exhibition Center, Donnelly Arena and Coliseum. Orscheln Farm and Home is the sponsor of the t-shirts worn by the youth during these shows and during the 11-day Fair.

Missouri State Law requires 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 and 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 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 2nd 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 the school nurse.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History will present “Bear Necessities” on Friday, July 27th starting at 6:30 in the evening. Hosted by Janet Price, naturalist, of Moonshadow Moments, LLC, formerly of Johnson’s Shut-Ins, participants will joined our delightful “baby bear” (in pajamas, no less) as he tells us what Missouri’s black bears are really like. And, please don’t poke the bear (that is a private joke that visitors will be let in on during the program). This program is appropriate for all ages and is especially family-friendly. The cost is $1 per person or $5/family, regardless of the number, which includes a light snack. Phone reservations are requested to plan for snacks and activities. Please call the Bonebrake Center at 729-3400 for more information or register. The Bonebrake Center is located at 601 North Hickory Street and can be viewed on the website at www.bonebrake.org or on our Facebook page!

An accident happened at 12:15 Wednesday afternoon in Crawford County on Route V at Davisville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1994 Toyota Pickup driven westbound by 15-year old Taylor Curvey of Boss, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway and went down an embankment. Curvey suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Missouri Baptist Hospital. Curvey was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The pickup had only minor damage and was towed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon on Route K about six miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am, driven by 44-year old Tina Lingner of Salem, swerved to miss a deer. The vehicle then crossed the center of the roadway, traveled off of the left side of the roadway, striking a MODOT sign and an embankment. Lingner received minor injuries and was transported by Salem Ambulance to Salem District Memorial Hospital. The Grand Am sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The Missouri Highway Patrol announced that Texas County Sheriff James Siegman and Lieutenant Jennifer Tomaszewski were arrested Wednesday after an investigation by the highway patrol that began back in June when a search warrant was executed inside the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. The Missouri Highway Patrol booked both Sheriff Sigman and Lt. Tomaszewski on suspicion of felony assault, felony first-degree robbery, felony first-degree endangering the welfare of a child, felony second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, felony unlawful use of a weapon, felony harassment, misdemeanor misuse of official information by a public servant, and misdemeanor false impersonation. Both are currently being held in custody.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Monday, July 2nd, Dent County deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North near Hunt Street. The driver, a 65-year old Salem man, was arrested on two misdemeanor Phelps County warrants. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and he later bonded. On Saturday, July 7th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4235. The driver, a 61-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. on Thursday, July 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. The driver, a 36-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license suspended. He was finger-printed, issued a summons, and released. That same day, deputies met with a victim in the lobby of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office in reference to stolen checks. Several checks were stolen and used at a store in Rolla. This report is still under investigation. On Saturday, July 14th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 3230 at Highway 68. The driver, a 45-year old Salem man, was arrested on a capias Dent County warrant. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of June. During the month, they wrote 11 equipment repair orders, 21 summons to appear in court, 17 warning tickets, and 18 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 19 accidents, one assault report, one burglary report, three reports of domestic violence, three reports of driving while being intoxicated, two reports of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, three reports of fraud, and investigated one report of leaving the scene of an accident. The department also investigated three reports of possession of a controlled substance and three reports of possession of drug paraphernalia. There were three investigations of property damage, one report of a rape, one report of resisting or interfering with an arrest, three reports of statutory sodomy, ten reports of stealing, one trespassing and two 96 hour commitments. The police department received 1,359 calls for service during the month, handled 76 walk-ins to the station and served four fugitive warrants and three city warrants. They spent 18 hours in court testifying and ten hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,831 miles and arrested 19 males and 8 females during the month of June.

The Salem Acoustic Jam will be held Saturday night at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center, formerly the Teachers Closet, at 6:30. Musicians and listeners of all ages and talents are invited and there is no cost. For more information about the acoustic jam, contact the Salem Area Arts Council by e-mailing saac@embarqmail.com, or by calling or texting 247-0279.