Local News

An accident happened in Dent County at 7:10 Wednesday morning on Route H near Dent County Road 2400. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Chevy Malibu driven westbound by 61-year old Eva Lewis of Salem, began to slide on wet pavement, crossed the centerline and traveled off the left side of the roadway where the Malibu struck a mailbox. The Malibu continued forward and traveled down a steep embankment and overturned. Lewis suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Hospital Ambulance. Lewis was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The 2016 Chevy Malibu was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold a tax rate hearing at 5:50 this evening followed by the regular board meeting at 6:00 at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch about Professional Development Days before the principals from all the schools will give their reports on open houses and the first day of school. The school board will review and approve the annual Secretary of the Board’s report, discuss the proposed tax rate from the hearing held prior to the regular meeting, approve the Dent County Developmental Preschool Lease, consider a truck purchase for the Construction Trades Program an consider a construction bid for the Phase 10 Project. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting for Thursday will start with the tax rate hearing at 5:50 followed by the regular board meeting at the District Administrative Office and both are open to the public.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a semi-pro rodeo, sanctioned by MRCA/URA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions this Labor Day weekend at the Commons on Highway 72 North. On Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd beginning at 7:30 each night, you can watch the spirit of the Old West come alive with events such as team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and the all-time crowd favorite, bull riding! Saturday night is also Red, White and Blue Night in honor of our Veterans. Advanced tickets are available at The Bank of Salem, Town and Country Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Salem Chamber office at 200 S Main. Prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11. If you have any questions, or would like to become a vendor, contact Tabatha at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at 729-6900.

Today is the first day of school in Dent County and 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. They should remind their children not to be on their cell phone while driving. Texting is against the law for anyone under the age of 22. Distractions are one of the major causes of traffic collisions with young people before and after school. 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.

Labor Day weekend brings a surge of travel across the nation. During the summer’s last holiday many will make the conscious mistake of driving impaired. Getting arrested could be the least of your worries. An impaired driving arrest could cost you thousands of dollars in fines, court costs and lawyer fees, not to mention you could also lose your license, lose your job or even take someone’s life! This year’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility crackdown will run this Friday, August 17th through the Labor Day holiday on September 3rd. Statewide, law enforcement made 242 driving while being intoxicated arrests, 27 driving under the influence drug arrests and 23 minors in possession arrests during this campaign last year. In 2017, 196 people were killed and 605 seriously injured in Missouri crashes that involved at least one substance-impaired driver. We are all a part of the solution. To learn more about impaired driving and how you can Arrive Alive, visit saveMOlives.com.

The “Fall’s-a-Comin” Art Party will be held this Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Creative arts Center behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. For $25 per person, adults can paint a fun autumn scene and put their own creative spin on it. All supplies are provided including the acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas and easel. Danielle Norris will lead the class. Make your reservation by calling 247-0279 t pay your registration and secure your spot

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said crews were out checking culverts to make sure they were free of debris before the anticipated rain this week. Purcell stated ditch work was being done on Dent County Road 4253 and materials were being added to the road as well. He mentioned brush cutting was being done on county road 2470 and fiber optic cable is being run under county road 2400 as the company will be drilling under the chip and seal to run the cable. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2120, 4040, 4285 and 4310 while brush would be cut on county road 5280. He said a crew was taking care of some downed trees on county road 4050 and some other men were working on the brush cutter. Larson said men would also be backsloping on county road 3200 to help with drainage after a fence was removed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday and they discussed the fuel sales tax issue in November that will increase the fuel tax ten cents over four years. They said that year-to date the fatalities statewide are up 35% over last year. Skiles said he was re-elected the chairman of the External Relations Committee and they discussed the upcoming legislative priorities and annual banquet. Skiles reported on the MRPC Board meeting where through the Central Workforce Development Board, St. James High School students are learning about manufacturing up close through businesses in the St. James area. Skiles said there are plenty of manufacturing jobs available through the Central Missouri Workforce Development Board and if anyone is interested, they should contact Sue Nardi at the Salem Community Center@The Armory for more information. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the last day to register to vote for the General Election will be October 10th. If you need to update your voter registration information, please get in touch with her office at 729-4144. At the bid opening for the Justice and Jail Center Project held Thursday afternoon at the Bank of Salem Courtesy Room, bids were opened for general construction, food service equipment, laundry equipment, DEC, elevator, fire suppression and electrical. No decisions were made as Construction Manager Nick Smith from Septagon and the commissioners will review all the bids received. The next meeting of the commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) is accepting grant applications for the 2019 grant round and they are due by noon on Friday, August 24th. Projects must be located or benefit the Ozark Rivers district, which includes the counties of Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties. Grants are available to city and county governments, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and other interested parties to increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling rates in our district. A complete listing of priorities and target materials is included in the grant application and available online. The grant dollars awarded by Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District comes through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and represent a portion of the landfill tipping fees collected in the district. The grant application is available online at www.ozarkrivers.org. For more information, contact Jill Hollowell at jhollowell@meramecregion.org or call (573) 265-2993.

Elvis Tribute Artist Michael Florence will be participating in the semi-finals of the “Image of the King” contest in Memphis, Tennessee this Thursday, August 16th. Known as Sean Michael, Florence qualified for the semi finals in the preliminary round held Monday at the New Daisy Theatre in Memphis. The finals for the “Image of the King” contest will be held this Thursday evening, August 16th. Florence will also be singing this Saturday in Memphis to benefit St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Congratulations Michael!

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department reports that 48-year old Janice L. Bote of Salem, and 60-year old William E. Martin of Salem have each been charged with felony counts of being an accessory to the delivery of a controlled substance and for also being an accessory to unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The charges came from the result of a short term narcotics investigation held Sunday by the South Central Drug Task Force and the Dent County Sheriff’s Office in the 400 block of East First Street in Salem. The charges are a result of officers finding 5.5 grams of meth in Martin’s pocket, two glass meth pipes were found in a bedroom and an orange container that contained syringes and spoons was also located in a closet. A digital scale that police suspect was being used for distribution was found in Martin’s car. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Salem Police Department assisted with the case. Bond for Bote and Martin was set at $20,000 cash only.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a blood drive in Salem this Friday at the Salem Memorial District Hospital from 9:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. Supplies of all blood types right now are near normal levels, but demand will increase with the Labor day holiday looming in the near future. Those who donate blood at the event will receive a free T-shirt with a great summer message. To be eligible to give blood, a person must weigh 110 pounds, be in good health and bring with them a photo ID. If you need more information about the blood drive, please contact Jodie Gorman at 729-6626.

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.

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.

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.

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.