Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night for their regular meeting. Mayor Brad Nash was unable to attend so Alderwoman Kim Steelman ran the meeting. The board approved a request from the Salem United Methodist Church to temporarily close Doss Road on Halloween night for their trunk and Treat event. The board approved the low bid recommended by Lochner for the construction of the taxilanes at the Salem Municipal Airport for a total of $496,850.90 that includes the use of asphalt instead of concrete. This is more than the original estimate approved by MoDOT and the city will have to pay more of the 10% that is due from them. City Administrator Ray Walden said the Request for Proposals for the 1st phase of the Downtown Project has been posted. He also said the position of Chief of Police has been advertised in advance of Chief Keith Steelman’s retirement in February. Walden said the City Wide Yard Sale will be held October 5th and the Fall Clean-Up Week will follow on October 7th through the 11th on your regular trash day. Walden said he was looking for the next date for a nuisance workshop and it will either be October 7th or 21st. He said the Water and Sewer Department will be changing water meters in the near future as part of the new AMI system. He said residents will be given advance notice before that change happens. The Board approved Bill #3430 that will allow Mayor Brad Nash to sign an amendment to the State Block Grant agreement with the City of Salem and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department to allow for an increase in funds to be provided by the grant and the city for the taxi-lanes at the airport. The board also adopted Resolution #23-2019 that adopts the Salem and Dent County Missouri Economic Development Strategy as prepared by Sally Burbridge. The document was prepared for the city with Dent County as a partner. The board then voted to go into closed session.

With the archery deer hunting season now going on and with the firearms portion coming in November, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants hunters, landowners, and others to know key information about chronic wasting disease, or CWD. MDC is continuing its efforts this fall and winter to limit the spread of CWD in Missouri deer by finding new cases and slowing its spread to more deer or more areas. CWD is a deadly, infectious disease in white-tailed deer and other members of the deer family that eventually kills all animals it infects. There is no vaccine or cure. CWD is spread from deer to deer and through the environment. MDC has found 116 cases of CWD in Missouri since 2012 out of more than 100,000 deer sampled so the disease remains relatively rare in the state. There have been no reported cases of CWD infecting people, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends having deer tested for CWD if harvested in an area known to have the disease. The CDC also recommends not eating meat from animals that test positive for CWD. For more information, visit mdc.mo.gov/cwd under Human Health Risks. MDC has a CWD Management Zone of counties in or near where CWD has been found. The 29 counties of the CWD Management Zone for this season are: Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. See the included map image. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/cwd.

The University of Missouri Extension will host a Management Intensive Grazing School September 26-27 at the MU Hugo Wurdack Research Center near Cook Station. The two-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 two-day school is $135 per person or $175 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 20. For more information, please contact Rachel Hopkins, MU Extension Ag Business/Community Engagement Specialist at 573-438-2671. To register, contact the Crawford County SWCD (Soil & Water Conservation District) office in Rolla, MO at 573-364-6202.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading and ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5480 while brush was going to be cut on county road 2400. He said most his crew would be working on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5480 that is closed to ALL traffic and probably will be until next Monday. Crews are recapping the old low water crossing and pouring concrete on the Highway 119 side. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that brush was going to be cut on Dent County Road 4480, while materials will be added and a pipe will be installed on Dent County Road 2510. Larson said that two men were working on Loader #3 as they putting in a new starter. He said another man would go to Springfield for another load of oil for chip and seal repair work that will be done Wednesday. Presiding Commissioner Skiles wanted to thank Linda Shelton, the Salem FFA Chapter and all the sponsors that made the annual Beef Days possible at The Commons last Thursday. It is still one of the most popular events for 3rd graders and FFA members alike and it is very educational to the young students. Skiles also said he attended the Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s External Relations Committee meeting where tickets are now available for the MRPC Annual Recognition and Awards Banquet that will be held at the Stonebrook Center in Waynesville on October 24th. Tickets are available for $30 per person and Judy Apperson of Dent County will be honored. For ticket information, call the MRPC at 573-265-2993. Skiles also said they discussed state legislative priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Skiles said he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting to score the recycling and solid waste reduction grant applications. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for September 5th and 9th. At approximately 11:35 Thursday morning, the 5th, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East First in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a 24-year-old male of Florissant, Missouri took a wood furnace and a lawnmower valued at $1,700.00 from the yard of the residence. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending an application for a warrant. Then at approximately 7:01 that night, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of East Fourth in reference to a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 27-year-old male of Salem had assaulted a 70-year-old male, a 59-year-old female and a 4-month-old infant all of Salem after becoming enraged. The suspect also assaulted an officer while being apprehended. The suspect was taken into custody for domestic assault, endangering the welfare of a child and 4th degree assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. A little over an hour later, at about 8:11, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 35-year-old female of Marshfield, Missouri for stealing, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Then on Monday afternoon, September 9th, at approximately 1:15, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen trailer. That investigation of the report revealed a trailer valued at $1200.00 that had been stolen in May from the area of Park and International was located and recovered in Licking by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host special programs and school reunion activities at the historic Button Rock School and historic Cortoreva School site on September 21st from 11:00 Saturday morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Park rangers will be on hand to share the history of one-room schools in Shannon County. Former students and teachers invite the public to join in these events, which will include potluck lunches at both sites beginning at 12 noon for all that would like to bring a dish to share. Visitors are encouraged to bring old pictures, a covered dish or sack lunch, and folding chairs. Former students will share their tales from yesteryear and reminisce about school days spent near the Current River with former teachers. All are invited to these free events to learn more about the many one-room schools that once dotted the Current River landscape. For more information about the historic school reunions, contact Ranger Josh Chilton at 573-226-3945.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed. No rescheduled date has yet been announced.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon in Phelps County at 5:15 on Highway 63 and Phelps County Road 6050 that left an Edgar Springs man in serious condition. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Ford Explorer was being driven northbound by 71-year old Robert Walker of Edgar Springs when the truck went of the left side of the roadway. The Ford Explorer then overturned before the truck struck a tree and came to rest. Walker suffered serious injuries and air lifted by the Phelps Health Helicopter to the University Hospital in Columbia. Walker was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Towing of Edgar Springs.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted reports for September 5th through the 7th. On September 5th, a deputy was observing traffic while sitting stationary in the Ranch Motel parking lot. While observing traffic, a vehicle pulled into the parking lot behind the deputy who observed a 39-year-old Salem woman exit the vehicle while arguing with the driver. The deputy approached the vehicle and during the course of the event, the woman was arrested for the possession of a controlled substance and the unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – methamphetamine. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and was incarcerated. Also on the 5th, deputies traveled to a residence on Dent County Road 6590 for a report of a burglary which had occurred. During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that approximately $12,883.00 in firearms and currency was stolen from the residence. On September 6th, deputies traveled to the Texas County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an interview with a 34-year-old Salem man who had been arrested the day prior. As a result of the interview, a confession was given and on September 7th a warrant was issued for the Salem man for burglary in the 1st degree, a felony stealing charge of $750.00 or more, and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Bond for the warrant is $20,000 in cash or professional surety. The man is currently incarcerated at the Texas County Sheriff’s Department. Also on the 6th, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the 900 block of Dent County Road 5070. During the course of the traffic stop, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for two active warrants through the Miller County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was incarcerated on the active warrants through Miller County. He was also issued three summons for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, failure to register a motor vehicle annually and operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility. If anyone has information about any investigation please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241.

The Salem Board of Alderman will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board will hear a request from the Salem United Methodist Church to temporarily close Doss Road on Halloween from 5:00 to 8:00 for their Trunk and Treat event. The board will then review two bids for asphalting or concreting of the taxilanes at the airport. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will update the board on city events. The board will then hear about Bill #3430 that would authorize the mayor to execute Amendment #1 to the State Block Grant A greement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the construction of the taxilanes for the T-Hangers in Phase 1 of the Airport Project. The board will review Resolution #23-2019 that would adopt the Salem and Dent County Missouri Economic Development Strategy on behalf of the City of Salem with the County of Dent as a Partner. The board may then go into closed session before adjourning. The meeting tonight is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley has released a report on the sentencing of Ronald Ball. On July 13th, a bench trial was held for the charges of two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, both class C felonies. Curley presented evidence that Ronald Ball distributed heroin and methamphetamine in April of 2017 following the overdose death of Joseph Sutton at the Defendant’s residence in March of 2017. At the conclusion of the trial, Ronald Ball was found guilty of both counts by Circuit Judge Kelly Parker. On September 9th, a sentencing hearing was conducted. Prosecutor Curley presented evidence that in March of 2017 defendant had distributed heroin to another person who ultimately distributed the heroin to Joseph Sutton at the defendant’s residence that contributed to his overdose death. An autopsy was conducted as a result of the death of Joseph Sutton and the opinion of the doctor performing the autopsy was that the death resulted from methamphetamine and heroin intoxication. The Sentencing Assessment Report recommended that the defendant be granted probation and counsel for defendant argued for probation due to the defendant’s limited criminal history and due to his current poor health. Prosecutor Curley sought 13 years in the prison due to the defendant placing heroin into the community that became a contributing factor in the death of Joe Sutton and due to the defendant continuing to distribute drugs following the overdose. Judge Parker sentenced the defendant to 10 years in prison on each count, concurrent, and retained jurisdiction under RSMO Section 559.115 for the possible release from prison on probation after the completion of 120 days. Prosecutor Curley stated he appreciated the investigative efforts conducted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Taskforce resulting in the conviction of the defendant.

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Richard LaBrash from the American Volunteers said the 2nd Annual ATV/UTV Fall Ride for America will be held on Saturday, October 12th starting and ending at Danny Black’s Farm. The American Volunteers will serve a meal after 6:00 that evening to all the participants. The event is sponsored by the American Volunteers and the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, call Richard LaBrash at 729-3196 or Sheriff Bob Wells at 729-3241. If you have questions about getting a county license to ride your ATV or UTV on county roads, contact the Dent County Clerk at 729-4144. LaBrash also discussed with the commission an initiative he is involved with to get more veterans in the outlying areas of Reynolds, Texas, Iron and Dent counties to use VA services. Since many of these veterans live where there is no Internet, this would be entry level step to get them to be able to access the VA from public areas like libraries. He is working with the VA in Poplar Bluff on the project and would have more information in the near future. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading and ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5450 while only grading would be done on county roads 4122 and 4150. Purcell said materials were being added to county road 6040, brush was being cut on county road 5105, 6150 and 6500, and materials were provided and a crossover pipe was being installed on Dent County Road 4060. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2510 and 3220 while brush would be cut on county road 4030. He also said the low water crossing has been repaired on Dent County road 4480 and the road is now open to through traffic. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles helped out with the Dent County Beef Days Thursday before attending the MRPC Committee and Board meetings that night. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that all the tax entities have submitted their tax rates that were certified by her and her office and were approved by the state auditor’s office. She went on to say that her office and the treasurer’s office balanced on all accounts for August, and that her office along with the assessor’s office and the collector’s office balance on all collections, abatements and add-ons for August. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A Dent County resident, 50-year old Wayne D. Head, has been charged with first-degree burglary, armed criminal action and first-degree assault resulting in serious physical injuries when he attacked a resident with a splitting maul axe from an incident that occurred Monday morning on Dent County Road 5020. According to documents filed with the circuit court, his bond was set at $200,000. The report indicates that a male subject arrived at the Casey’s Store on Highway 32/72 East covered in blood. The man reported he had been attacked in his home after hearing his grandson yelling and had several head wounds and abrasions to his arm from the confrontation with Head in the hallway of his home with the axe. The man said his grandson jumped out his bedroom window during the confrontation and he finally broke away from Head and drove to town. He was taken to Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. Head was later located at a different Dent County Road 5020 residence on Monday and was taken into custody without incident. Evidence of the attack was found in the victim’s home in the hallway, and the splitting maul axe was found north of the victim’s property.

Six Bunker residents were injured in a two vehicle accident Tuesday evening at 8:49 in Dent County at the intersection of Highway 72 and Route B. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet HHR being driven by 48-year old Beverly Robinson of Salem, failed to yield to a 2003 Chevy Suburban and turned into the path of the Chevy being driven by 48-year old Clyde Wisdom of Bunker. The collision caused the Chevy Suburban to go off the road and overturn. Wisdom and 5 passengers suffered minor injuries and were transported by Salem EMS to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Clyde Wisdom suffered minor injuries in the collision as did the passengers who include 46-year old Sonia Wisdom, 13-year old William Wisdom, 11-year old Layla Wisdom, 15-year old Chandler Wisdom, and 18-year old Anthony Wisdom. According to the report all involved in the accident were wearing seat restraints. Both vehicles were totaled and both were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and Dent County Fire Protection District.

A two vehicle accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at around 1:35 in Reynolds County on Highway 72 about seven miles east of Bunker. The highway patrol report states that a 2011 Nissan Altima being driven 76-year old Raymond Strange of Bunker, was westbound when he attempted to pass a 1985 Mac Dump truck that was making a left turn being driven by 26-year old Michael Tolle of Bonne Terre. An occupant in the Nissan, 78-year old Janet Miller of Bunker, sustained minor injuries and was taken by Reynolds County Ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Neither passenger in the Nissan was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan received extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Hills Metals and Motors of Ellington. The dump truck was not damaged and was driven from the scene.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has submitted a number of reports. On Saturday, August 31st, deputies received a report of a subject throwing trash from a moving vehicle into a man’s yard. They spoke to the reporting party and then traveled to an address in the 800 block of East Jack Street. During the course of the investigation, a 31-year-old Salem woman was arrested for littering in the 1st offense. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. On Wednesday, September 4th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of County Road 5013. During the course of the traffic stop, a 21-year-old Salem man was arrested for six active warrants through Carter County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and was incarcerated. The next day, deputies conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Doss Road and Highway 32 East. During the course of the traffic stop, a 28-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was taken to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Deputies conducted another traffic stop that day in the 7000 block of Highway 119. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Salem woman was arrested for felony driving while having her license revoked or suspended. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department where she was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. If anyone has information about an investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Commissioner Gary Larson wanted to thank the public for attending the Blue Oval Car Rally around the courthouse square on Saturday as it was a great success. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles also wanted to thank Dent County for their support at the NRA Banquet that was held Saturday that was also a great success. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his crew would be grading and doing ditch work on Dent County Roads 5450 and 6225. He said materials would be added to county road 6210 and brush was going to be cut on county roads 5100, 5103, 5105, 5440, 6500 and 6510. He also wanted to remind the public that on September 17th, Dent County Road 6580 will have a low water crossing upgraded on the Highway 119 side that will close the road at that location. They expect the road to be closed at least from Tuesday, September 17th through Friday, September 20th for the work to be done. Commission Larson said all the workers in District 2 are at the low water crossing on Dent County Road 4480 working on that upgrade so that it can be completed quickly. Larson said he expects that crossing to be closed through at least Thursday. Commissioner Skiles said he would be attending the Missouri Community Betterment presentation at 8:00 this morning at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center and will make a presentation about the jail to the judges. He said that meeting will last until about 9:30 and it is open to the public. He will also be attending a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation meeting this evening in St. James. Advanced Telephone, LLC, was the only proposal for a TDS 80 Phone System. The bid was for $15,300.00 for 14 digital display speaker phones, digital station card, battery backup unit, fiber copper cable, labor to install and training. The bid was approved 3-0. The Commissioners agreed 3-0 for Sheriff Wells to seek bids on oil changes for the Sheriff’s Department vehicles. Bids will be due and opened the morning of September 30th at 10:00. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report the sales tax collections for the month. Dent County received $116,812.45 for general revenue and law enforcement, which is down year-to-date about 3.44% from last year. Road and Bridge received $55,932.89, which is down year-to-date 2.06%. Each of the Jail Funds received $111,365.51 and that’s down 0.70% year-to-date. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Sunday morning at 11:18 in Phelps County on Highway B about three miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by 22 year-old Stephanie Berry of St. James, skidded off the right side of the roadway and struck a rock embankment. Berry suffered moderate injuries and was transported by St. James Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla. The Chrysler was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

An accident happened Monday morning at 10:00 in Shannon County on Route B about five miles west of Akers Ferry. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford ranger driven eastbound by 90-year old Vincent Stark of Licking, failed to negotiate a curve and ran off the roadway where he struck an embankment and overturned. Stark suffered serious injuries and transferred by Air Ambulance to the Cox South Hospital in Springfield. He was not wearing a seat restraint when the accident happened. The Ford was totaled and removed by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Tuesday, August 27th, deputies received a report of a vehicle which had been parked at a residence in the 2500 block of Dent County Road 4220. The reporting party said the vehicle was blocking access to her barn. The vehicle was towed from the location and deputies were unable to locate the man. Shortly after, deputies received information that the driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old Salem man, had active warrants for his arrest and that the man had arrived at a residence in the 100 block of Dent County Road 4230. The man was seen walking toward Highway 32. Deputies traveled to the area and located the man where he was arrested for his active warrants through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and St. James Police Department. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and was incarcerated. On Friday, August 30th deputies received a report of a break in at a residence in the 300 block of county road 4243. Deputies with assistance from the Salem Police Department then traveled to the residence. During the course of the investigation, a 47-year-old Vandalia man was arrested for having an active warrant through Missouri Probation and Parole. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. That same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 North at the 7th Street intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for having active warrants through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. Also on Friday, August 30th, a traffic stop was conducted in the 3000 block of Highway 19 South. During the course of the traffic stop, a 22-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If anyone has any information regarding and ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department would like to warn the public of a phone scam that involves someone requesting your social security number due to some problem with your social security account. In most cases the caller will initially be a recording that requests you to push 1 or a certain number for more information. After that the victim will be connected to someone who will eventually request your social security number and other personal information. This is a scam to obtain your information for fraudulent purposes. Governmental agencies will never request your social security number and personal information over the phone. Please take the time to check into any request of this nature and verify who you are dealing with before giving out your personal information.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met August 22nd at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 99 clients in July. Assistant Health Center Administrator Roma Jones reported that the Health Center was approved for funding for a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. Mobray reported the application for Show-Me Healthy Women funding was approved by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and is awaiting approval from the CDC. She also stated that a prep visit with the Missouri DHSS is scheduled for September 13th. Mobray said that a very successful vaccine clinic was held at senior registration at Salem High School on August 5th. The Health Center reported 10 cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and 2 cases of Erlichia Chaffeensis in July, plus three animal bites were investigated. A motion was made and approved to update the Administrative Manual to reflect the change in the regular monthly Board meeting to the third Thursday of the month. Jones updated the Board on the building damage sustained on August 7th when a truck ran into the east end of the building. The Board went into closed session to discuss contracts. During closed session, construction bids to repair the damages to the building were presented and the bid from Gray Construction was approved. Back in regular session, the Health Center expenses for June and July were approved. The next meeting of the Health Center will be September 19th at 5:00.

An accident happened in Reynolds County on Highway 49 about two miles north of Black Sunday afternoon at 12:20. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Buick being driven southbound by 53-year old Penny Barnes of Black, drove off the roadway and overturned. Suffering moderate injuries were two occupants in the Buick, 75-year old Ruth Brown and 55- year old Shirley brown, both of Black. Ruth Brown was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur while Shirley Brown was taken by ambulance to the Parkland Hospital. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. Barnes did not report any injuries. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital and the Columbia Vet Center are teaming up to provide area Veterans with services such as Veterans Health Administration enrollment, and counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. Through use of the Mobile Vet Center, better known as MVC which is a 37-foot-long mobile resource unit, services for bereavement, marriage and family counseling are available. Additional resources for Veterans through the MVC include VA benefits information and suicide prevention referrals. This Mobile Vet Center will be at the Wal-Mart Supercenter at 500 South Bishop in Rolla from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon TOMORROW, September 10th. The customized MVC vehicle is equipped with confidential counseling space to extend access to VA services to Veterans, service members and their families — especially those living in rural or remote communities. The MVC also provides readjustment counseling and information resources to Veterans to assist them in the difficult transition between military and civilian life. For more information, call (573) 814-6206.