Local News

According to a report released by the Missouri Highway Patrol, an accident occurred Wednesday evening at 8:48 p.m. in Miller County involving a man from Salem. According to the report, 37-year old Robert J. Clavier of Salem, was traveling on Route Y near Beacon Road in Miller County on a 2001 Suzuki motorcycle at a high rate of speed when he ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree, ejecting the driver. Clavier received moderate injuries and was transported by Miller County EMS to Lake Regional Hospital. Safety restraints were in use at the time of the accident. The Suzuki motorcycle was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Praters.

An accident happened in Phelps County at 7:43 Thursday morning at the 184-mile marker westbound exit ramp on Interstate 44. According to a report from the highway patrol, a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 driven westbound by 53-year old Cynthia J. Walls of St. James. The report stated the Dodge Ram traveled off the left side of the roadway, then returned to the roadway where the Ram began to skid. The Dodge then traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned striking a sign. Walls suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Phelps County Ambulance to the Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Dodge Ram was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The Missouri State Highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Rolla Fire Department and the Rolla Police Department.

Highway 137 in Texas County will be CLOSED as Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform bridge repairs. The bridge over the Jacks Fork River is located between Route U and Route AZ. Weather permitting, the bridge will CLOSE at 6:00 Monday morning, July 9th with plans to reopen on Thursday, July 12th at 5:00 in the afternoon. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/southeast.

The Dent County Commissioner met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5220, 6090, 6110 and 6350, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 5150. He added workers had already repaired a number of washouts in the Bunker area on Wednesday from this weeks’ rain. He also indicated brush would be cut on county road 6580 and that chip and seal road resurfacings are expected to occur in the middle of July. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2500, 3120 and 3130, while some men would be patch grading on county roads 4280, 4283 and 4290 in the Boss area from the rains this week. Two men would also be patching various chip and seal roads in the district. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Central Region Workforce Investment Board Caucus on Wednesday. He said employment was good in the area, but many employers are having trouble finding enough qualified workers who can pass a drug test and show up on time to fill open positions. Skiles stated he was elected as the vice-chairman of the caucus with Gary Jungermann elected chairman. Skiles also said a nice turnout was at the webinar Monday on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program for the county including all the pharmacies, first responders as well as hospital and clinic personnel. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting is going on now at the Clerk’s Office at the courthouse and you must have a picture ID to vote. Absentee voting will continue until August 6th while the last day to mail out a ballot will be August 1st. Sample ballots are available now at the clerk’s office. Curley is asking residents to please make sure their voter registration is correct and up to date. You can stop by her office at the courthouse, call 729-4144 or go online to www.sos.mo.gov. The commissioners went into closed session to visit with a state financial auditor before coming back into open session to open bids for oil changes for the Dent County Sheriff’s Vehicle Fleet. Sheriff Bob Wells was out of town, so he will review the bids received and make his recommendation at the meeting Monday. Five bids were received for oil changes from Knight Auto Care, Whitaker’s Auto Body and Towing, Heavin Motors, Hubbs Tire and Auto Connection. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

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.

You have until tomorrow afternoon to get in your entry for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem Independence Day Parade. The parade will leave from the Southwest Baptist University Salem campus at the corner of South Grand and West Franklin at 6:00 Wednesday evening, July 4th and travel to the Dent County Courthouse on the square, downtown. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the American Dream.” Those businesses, churches or organizations wishing to be a part of the parade with a float, vehicle, walking delegation, classic car, tractor, or other representative method, need to fill out an entry form from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office and submit it to them by Friday at 4:30 at the chamber office. You can drop off your form at the chamber office located at 200 South Main Street, send your form by fax to 729-6741 or e-mail your form to chamber@salemmo.com. All entries should be at the lineup location by 5:30. If you have any questions about the July 4th Independence Day Parade in Salem or need more information, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 729-6900.

Pavement blow-ups are likely to become more prevalent during the summer months. They are the summer’s version of potholes, created by a combination of hot temperatures, moisture, and weakening pavement. According to Missouri Department of Transportation Central District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer pavement blow-ups are nearly impossible to predict. That’s why we ask motorists who come across a blow-up to not only use extra caution and slow down, but call MoDOT to report the issue. It’s also important to note that while blow ups can do serious damage to the roadway, they don’t actually explode. The blow-ups become common across mid and southern Missouri over the summer months and occur when the roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. The crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp. Most blowups occur in the late afternoon or early evening. Missouri Department of Transportation crews will monitor state routes during the summer months for possible problem areas and will make repairs as soon as possible. Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) to report pavement blow-ups.

As people celebrate this summer, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds everyone to be extremely careful with fireworks, campfires, and other sources of fire that could cause a wildfire. Don’t light fireworks in any areas where the sparks could ignite dry grass, leaves, or other potential fire fuel. Always have an approved fire extinguisher and an available water supply to douse sparks or flames. Wet the area around where fireworks are being discharged. Fireworks are legal in the City of Salem and in the county, but they are not allowed in Conservation Areas. When it comes to outside burning, don’t even attempt to burn when it is windy and the humidity levels get too low. Dry grass and high temperatures mixed with low humidity and wind will make a fire nearly impossible to control. Before you burn, contact the Salem Police Department or the Dent County Sheriff’s Department and let them know your intentions so that if they receive a call from neighbor or passerby they know what you are doing. A person who starts a fire for any reason is responsible for any damage it may cause. Wildfires can also start when dry fuel, such as grass, comes in contact with catalytic converters. Think twice before driving into and across a grassy field. Never park over tall, dry grass or piles of leaves that can touch the underside of a vehicle. When driving vehicles off road, regularly inspect the undercarriage to ensure that fuel and brake lines are intact and no oil leaks are apparent. Always carry an approved fire extinguisher on vehicles that are used off road. Be sure to clear a generous zone around fire rings. Be sure to store unused firewood a good distance from your campfire. Never use gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable liquid to start a fire. Keep campfires small and controllable. Keep fire-extinguishing materials, such as a rake, shovel, and bucket of water, close. Extinguish campfires each night and before leaving camp, even if it’s just for a few moments. Call 911 at the first sign of a fire getting out of control.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Shannon County Museum will host a Celebration of the River Community at Round Spring on Sunday, July 1st, at the picnic pavilion located next to the spring branch. Families with a connection to the Round Spring community are invited to bring family pictures and artifacts to share with others attending the event. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with displays of local family history. Bring a picnic dinner and join us at the pavilion for an evening meal at 7:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m. we will show several short films about the Current River area produced by local film makers and featuring people in our river community. Many of the films were recently shown at the Ozark Streams Film Festival to a standing room only crowd. Current and former members of the Round Spring community will join the reunion to share memories from earlier days on the Current River. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/ozar or call 573-323-8093.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO PAY ANY 2015 DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAXES!!! Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock wants to remind anyone who still has delinquent real estate taxes from 2015 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by THIS FRIDAY during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes from 2015, 2016 and 2017 will be declared due by August 24th, 2018. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held August 28th, 2017. Check payments will no longer be accepted so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check, money order, debit or credit card. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s Office immediately so that it can be explained to you. This is very important so do not put it off any longer. Call the Dent County Collectors Office at 573-729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Also, after July 1st, there will be an additional $25 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for advertising costs in the Salem News. Remember, only the taxes for 2015 need to be paid IN FULL by Friday to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of May. During the month, they wrote five equipment repair orders, 27 summons to appear in court, 20 warning tickets, and 24 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated ten accidents, six assaults, one report of counterfeiting, three reports of disorderly conduct, three reports of domestic assault, two reports of domestic violence, and one endangering the welfare of a child while also serving eight fugitive warrants and seven city warrants. The Salem Police also investigated two driving while being intoxicated reports, five driving while having a license revoked or suspended reports, two reports of leaving the scene of accidents and four reports of lost or stolen license plates. The department went on to investigate two reports of missing persons, one report of possession of a controlled substance and five reports of possession of drug paraphernalia. There was one investigation of property damage, two reports of resisting or interfering with an arrest, 11 reports of stealing, one towed vehicle, one trespassing report and one report of a violation of an order of protection. The police department received 1,419 calls for service during the month and handled 81 walk-ins to the station. They spent 22 hours in court testifying and ten hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,413 miles and arrested 38 males and 13 females during the month of May.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Champion Tree program is celebrating a half-century of tracking Missouri’s biggest known trees. There are more than 130 specieson the list, ranging from a scarlet oak stretching 15 stories tall to a winged sumac with a trunk just over three inches in diameter. In 1968, MDC first released a list of the biggest known trees throughout the state. The goal was to find the biggest specimens of Missouri’s native trees, share them with the public, and encourage the hunt to continue. The Champion Tree Program has provided a showcase for some of Missouri’s most impressive trees and can be found in our backyards and farms, city parks, state parks, and conservation areas. To celebrate the anniversary of the Missouri Champion Tree Program, MDC encourages Missourians to get outside this summer and discover big trees. There are six champion trees in our area. In Reynolds County, there is one Champion Tree and that is the Carolina Buckthorn on private property. Phelps County has two champion trees: a Butternut tree and Red Maple and they are both in the Woodson Conservation Area. Dent County has three champion trees in the borders. The Champion Black Cherry tree and White Oak tree are both on private property, but the Champion Short-Leaf Pine can be seen at the Blackwell Cemetery. If you are interested in visiting champion trees, the Conservation Department has assembled a list of 38 champion trees located on public land you can see. That list is available at www.mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On Monday, June 18th, deputies responded to a theft report from Route AC. It was reported that three Sinclair signs were stolen from the residence. This report is stillunder investigation. On Wednesday, June 20th, deputies responded to Dent County Road 5330 for a report of theft. Reported stolen was a head catcher and four coral panels. This report is currently being investigated. Later that same day, deputies responded to the 17000 block of Highway 72 in reference to a domestic disturbance. After an investigation, it was discovered that a rock was thrown through a car window. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday June 21st, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the Mobil parking lot in Salem. The driver, a 30-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Friday, June 22nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 near County Road 3180. The driver, a 19-year old Salem man, was arrested for possession of marijuana. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Congratulations to Salem Middle School 8th grader Denise Stoner on capturing 2nd in the State in the MSHSAA Middle School/Junior High Sportsmanship Essay Contest. Stoner won the local competition, then took 1st place the South Central District Championship before her entry captured the state runner up award. Principal Scott Roberts believes this is the highest any Salem Middle School student ever received in this competition. Roberts also saluted 7th grader Alana Lilly for receiving a runner-up award in the Local competition.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2440, 5510, 5520, 6225, 6370 and 6400. He went on to report brush would be cut on county roads 4220, 6180 and 6610. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 5240 while only grading will be done on county roads 2050 and 3180. Larson did say brush would be cut on county roads 3260 and 3280. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending the Central Region Workforce Investment Board Caucus meeting in Jefferson City on Wednesday. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley indicated the last day to register to vote for the August election will be July 11th. Bids for carpeting the courtroom and adjoining rooms at the courthouse were opened at 10:00 and two bids were received: one from McCalls out of Rolla and the other was from Toman’s Inside Story. The board went with the bid from Toman’s Inside Story for the 28 ounce Shaw Camden Harbor Carpet that includes labor and installation for $9,647.51. 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 City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers Monday afternoon. Mayor Brad Nash was unable to attend the meeting. Alderman Haydn Powell called the meeting to order and City Administrator Ray Walden went over the proposed budget numbers for 2017-2018 fiscal year. He said total revenues are expected to be $13,247,725 and the expected expenses should come to $13,170,229. After some discussion, the board approved the 2017-2018 fiscal year budget, and then passed Bill #3391 adopting the annual budget for the City of Salem. The board conditionally approved the trailer court license application for the trailer park at 101 North Park provided the work continued on the project and it passed the inspection. The board then set the public hearing to determine sewer rates for Monday, July 30th at 6:00 prior to the Board of Aldermen meeting that evening. The alderman then went into closed session to discuss contracts.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Wednesday evening, June 13th, at approximately 8:14, an officer located a 34-year old female of Salem in the 600 block of South Sligo who had an active arrest warrant from Phelps County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Early Saturday morning, June 16th at approximately 1:41, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 38-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same afternoon at about 1:56, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $47.28. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday, June 19th at about 3:20 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown scratched the paint on a silver 2010 Ford Edge that was parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot. The value of the damage was approximately $100.00. The report is under investigation. Then on Wednesday morning, June 20th at approximately 8:42, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a forgery. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown stole a Missouri tax return check and cashed it for $302.00. The report is under investigation. The next morning at about 1:43, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Newburg for the possession of marijuana. 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 webinar was held Monday afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory concerning the county considering becoming a part of the St. Louis County Prescription Drug Monitoring Program on line system. Emily Varner from the St. Louis County Health Department discussed the program with doctors, pharmacists, the Dent County Commissioners, police personnel and others. She said there are three types of users: providers, dispensers and delegates. Medical and pharmaceutical personnel get direct and full access to data while dispensers have the ability to request data, but have no direct access. The delegates have restricted or limited use and those groups would include law enforcement agencies, state boards and juvenile officers. Varner explained once an account is created, providers can get prescription information for up to the previous 24 months on Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substances. They would submit a report daily to the PDMP so the files can be updated. The program has a multiple provider alert when a patient gets prescriptions from three or more prescribers AND used three or more pharmacies within a six month period. Hospital inpatient prescriptions are excluded from the program. Enforcement of the program through providers is up to the individual jurisdictions, but St. Louis County has instituted penalties of up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine or both. Varner said the more counties that join in the program, the more complete the information is. The cost to have Dent County join the PDMP is $264.10. Some pharmacists asked for more information including a copy of the contract and user agreement and no decision was made at the meeting.

A special meeting of the City of Salem Board of Alderman has been called by Mayor Brad Nash this afternoon at the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington to discuss calling a public hearing on sewer rates, adopting the 2018-2019 Budget, consider Ordinance #3391, an ordinance adopting an annual budget for the City of Salem beginning July 1st, 2018 and appropriating funds pursuant thereto, and consider trailer court licenses. The Board will vote to go into closed session to discuss contracts. With the exception of the closed session, the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Friday morning at 6:45 on Route KK about five miles north of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, a Nissan Altima driven by 18-year old Desiray Cowan of Bunker, was traveling southbound when the Nissan traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Cowan suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Cowan was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Nissan Altima was totaled and towed from the scene by Hills Metals & Motors.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met on Monday, June 18th for their regular monthly meeting. Administrator Kendra Mobray told the board she attended the June 4th commissioner’s meeting and had a long discussion about joining St Louis County’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. After a follow-up meeting that included pharmacists that discussed enforcement and costs, Mobray scheduled an informational webinar about the PDMP with St Louis County Health Department is scheduled for this afternoon at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory. Pharmacists and physicians have been invited to attend to get more information. Mobray reported that Naloxone has been distributed to the Salem Police Department through the Department of Health and Senior Services MORE Project. On June 14th, first responders from Dent County Fire Protection District and park rangers from the National Park Service received training on Naloxone administration. She also said outpatient lab services were provided to 35 clients in May. Administrator Mobray said there were ten diseases from tick bites investigated in May: nine Reports of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever along with one case of Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Other diseases investigated were one case of Legionellosis and two cases of Salmonellosis. The board also approved a conflict of interest policy be added to the Dent County Health Center Administrative Manual. Mobray informed the Board that several students have been in for required school immunizations. The Dent County Health Center currently bills most insurance companies and offers state vaccine for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid clients. Vaccinations are available daily without an appointment. For additional questions on what immunizations are needed, please call the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the District Administrative Offices. Superintendent John McColloch updated the board on improvements to the campus that includes typical summer work including the waxing the floors, various painting projects, and adding an office to the white house. Some new doors for the Upper Elementary and High School are also being considered as the old ones are beginning to rust out. McColloch told the board he is working on developing a facility master plan during the 18-19 school year. McColloch also reported on the success of summer school. The Upper Elementary ended with 178 students and William Lynch ended with 94 students. At the high school, approximately 25 students completed drivers’ education during summer school. McColloch went on to assign the Board of Education committee assignments for the 2018-2019 school year. Holly Erway was assigned to CSIP, Drew Whitaker was assigned to Federal Programs, the A+ Programs were assigned to Larry Maxwell, Dustin Howard was assigned to Safety, Technology was assigned to Chris Heavin and Health Services was assigned to Carrie Snider. After the building principals gave their reports, the board voted to accept the 2018-2019 budget that showed total revenues at $12,870,000 while the expenses came in at $12,845,000. The board approved the resolution for the WADA 5% transfer from Fund 1 to Fund 4 in the amount of $374,962 for the purpose of facility improvements. The board went on to approve Board Policy BBFA that deals with the conflict of interest policy with members of the Board of Education, and they approved adopting a resolution for the Dent County Multi-Jurisdiction Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. The board also approved 2017-2018 budget revisions before accepting the surplus property bid for school bus#15 from Jadwin Canoe Rentals in the amount of $1,821.00. The board accepted the retirement of High School Physical Education instructor Diana Bermudez before going into executive session where the board employed Derek Freeman as a High School physical education instructor, middle school football coach, and an assistant varsity track coach. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is proud to announce that beginning in September of 2018 they will be offering full-time and in-house mammography services. This services has been made possible because of a generous donation of a Hologics Mammography Unit with full Digital 3D capabilities from Stephen and Sally Di Pierdomenico, the parents of Julie Moser. This machine is equipped with the latest technology available and the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be one of the first hospitals in the area with this technology. Sally Di Pierdomenico is a breast cancer survivor as she was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 at the age of 78 by a mammogram. The early detection was crucial with her type of cancer and she credits her access to mammograms as the reason for its detection. In Dent County, only 1,266 female patients out of over more 5,000 women who qualify for the tests have had mammograms. Dent, Shannon and Iron County are badly underserved in providing health care for women’s programs, including regular mammograms. The Salem Hospital is applying for a grant which, if awarded, will allow them to provided discounted and free mammogram services to qualified individuals. This grant will allow the hospital to fully serve women in the hospital district. Because it may take some time to receive the grant, the Di Pierdomenico’s have graciously provided funds to cover the program for women until the grant is awarded making affordable coverage for all women in the area without having to travel long distances to receive high quality screenings and diagnostic breast imaging. To find out when appointments can be scheduled, call the SMDH Radiology Department at 729-5917, extension 2430.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6255, 5525 and 5520, while brush would be cut on county road 6600. He went on to say that ditch work would be done on Dent County Road 5015, commonly called the Doss Road. Purcell said that grading was planned for county road 2430, 2480 and 2490 if the men can get the turbo repaired on another grader. He noted that he attended the South Central Community Action Agency meeting Monday and information can be obtained about the Early Head Start and Head Start programs by contacting Sarah at (573) 729-3500. Purcell added that she also has information about financial assistance with weatherization and utilities where income guidelines apply. He reported that the Tourism Commission met Monday where three proposals were received of which two were approved along with approval of one request for reimbursement. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 4353 and 3263, while grading only would be done on county roads 2130, 4330, 3270 and 3275, plus brush was being cut on county road 3230. Larson noted that repair work on low water crossings will be starting as soon as weather permits and that District One will be loaning his district some men when that work starts. He said that the difficulty of the work coupled with the summer heat creates a situation where the safety of the men is a primary concern. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he had visited with Nick Smith of Septagon Construction and Steve Davis of Shive-Hattery and they are going over bidding specifications and time lines and will be meeting with the Commissioners in preparation for letting bids for the Justice Center. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that absentee voting for the August Primary will begin June 26th and the last day to register to vote in the Primary is July 11th. She also noted that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for Payment. Bill Ard with the Dent County Tourism Tax Commission was in to recommend Mike Homeyer and Darci Blair-Foreyt to replace Kim Gollhofer and Beth Frizzell on the Commission. Their three year terms are up. The Commissioners approved their appointment by a 3-0 vote. Dave Southards was in to compliment the road crew for work on county roads 5105 and 5100. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Troop I’s first drowning of the year occurred Saturday afternoon at approximately 3:15 in Crawford County on the Meramec River about three miles upstream from the confluence of the Huzzah River. The victim, 27-year old Adam Meinecke of Nashville, Tennessee was swimming off the bluff when he submerged and failed to surface. The party he was with called 9-1-1 and a search of the area was conducted. The search continued into Sunday when the Missouri State Dive Team discovered the body in the area where Meinecke went under. Meinecke was pronounced dead by the Crawford Deputy County Coroner Sunday afternoon at 2:12.

An accident occurred in Phelps County Wednesday afternoon about 12:08 on Highway BB near Phelps County Road 3010. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by 29-year old Todd Harget of Rolla attempted to pass and struck a 2014 Ford Expedition, driven by 36-year old Kelly Black of Rolla. Harget suffered serious injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The report stated that Harget and Black were wearing their safety devices at the time of the accident. The Kawasaki was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing, while the Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a blood drive at the Salem Memorial District Hospital from 9:00 this morning until 2:00 this afternoon. All negative blood types are in short supply. To donate blood, you need to weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and bring a valid photo ID. Participants will get a free heather gray T-Shirt with a patriotic summer message. For more information, call Debra Piatt at 729-6626.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday evening at the hospital library. Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the summary of operations for May that showed a gain from operations of $96,604 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $100,174 for the month as the hospital received $259,000 from Medicaid which went against the deductions from revenue for the month. In May, only 59 patients were admitted to the hospital as acute care patients per day for May came in at 6.6. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $67,821 for the month with days in accounts receivable hovering at 61. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 890 emergency room visits, 253 ambulance runs with 165 patients being transported to the hospital, 23 surgical procedures, 1,872 outpatient registrations, 398 home health visits, 8,091 lab tests, 1,156 radiological procedures and 645 rehab treatments. The days cash-on-hand for the hospital stands at 87 year-to-date and that is way over the Critical Access Hospital state average of 65. Hines said the hospital had 21 Quality Improvement projects done since the program started last July. They will be reviewing all the projects in June and make sure the projects are all still on track before starting new projects in July. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported on the hospital foundation and the golf tournament held on June 8th raised almost $15,000 as they had 21 teams participate. He said he and Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas are finalizing the organization structure of the foundation and will soon be submitting the 501 C 3 paperwork. He also said the “Dancing with the Stars” will be held January 26th at the SHS Gym as the City Hall Auditorium is having repairs made to it. Strickland said the billboard across the street from Wal-Mart has finally been installed and another billboard on Highway 19 south toward Echo Bluff has been erected. He also went over the new philosophy on the perception and marketing of the hospital through social media and You Tube. New videos will be made soon that will be added to the Hospital You Tube channel. He also said the hospital sponsored the City of Salem Baseball League, the Summer Kick off event at the pool and is part of the new Project Rise working with Healthy Dent County. He said they will be improving their website, Internal Marketing, revamp their radio ads and create TV ads for You Tube and TV, and improve the property signage. Strickland said the Health Fair in May was attended by 321 people bring the total to date of 625. The next health screening will be held on September 19th and 20th. The board received the proposed fiscal year 2019 budget at the last meeting and there were some minor changes, but they approved the budget that showed an anticipated a 1% increase in admissions, a 1% decrease in inpatient census days, a 2% increase in outpatient registrations and a 2% decrease in Emergency Room visits. Lucas reminded the board that new officers will be elected at the July meeting. Board member Ray Bruno brought up the possibility of a name dedication for the cafeteria to a long time hospital employee who recently passed away. Information will be gathered about the employee and Chris Strickland stated he would put together a press release on the event. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will conduct their regular monthly meeting tonight at the boardroom beginning at 6:00. After approval of the agenda, Superintendent John McColloch will then give a facilities update, summer school update, and Board committee assignments. McColloch’s report will be followed by reports from principals on events and happenings at each of the buildings in the district. In old business the Board will consider adoption of the 2018-2019 budget. During new business, the Board will consider adoption of a resolution for WADA Transfer, adoption of Board Policy BBFA, review 2017-2018 budget revisions, consider a resolution to adopt the Dent County Multi-Jurisdiction Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, and consider surplus property bids. The Board will also hear resignations and vote to go into Executive Session after adjournment. The regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Wednesday, June 6th at about 6:00 in the evening, an officer responded to a property damage report. The investigation revealed an unknown person had caused damage to a 2014 Jeep Cherokee between the hours of 8:00 in the morning and 3:30 in the afternoon. The report is still under investigation. On Thursday evening, June 7th at about 7:37, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation led to the arrest of a 74-year old man from Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $62.28. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, June 8th at about 5:09 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 22-year old female from Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $59.45. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, June 9th at about 4:07 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to another shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 30-year old male from Bixby for stealing merchandise and bringing it back into the store for a refund. The amount of the stolen items was $227.43. The suspect received three summons to appear in court and released. That evening at about 10:48, an officer conducted a traffic stop. The investigation led to the arrest of a 37-year old male from Salem for a felony driving while being intoxicated, and driving while having their license suspended. It was also determined the suspect had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Pike County. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office for incarceration. If anyone has information about ongoing reports, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening in the city hall council chambers. The board approved the request from Randy League from the Midwest Blue Oval Car Club to close the streets around the courthouse square for the Current River Blue Oval Rally that will be held September 8th. The board postponed a decision on a copier for the police department until Chief Keith Steelman finds out more information on the buyout on the current machine. After the consent agenda was approved, the board heard from City Attorney William Camm Seay about creating a subdivision at 400, 402, 500 and 502 North Water that would be on the back side of the new county jail project. The city approved the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation on the city property on Water Street. The board also heard from Phillip Karr from a citizens group working to renovate the Salem City Hall Auditorium. They would like to replace the old seating in the balcony with larger seats and install fixed seating on the current floor that would be paid for through donations and funds raised through grants. The board approved to move forward with the idea of fixed seating and other renovations. Alderman Chad Heithold reported on the Utility Committee meeting held prior to the regular meeting where they worked on setting the utility rates for the next fiscal year. With the scheduled work to be done on the new projects on Highway 32 and complying with the new DNR requirements, the board recommended for budgeting purposes to recommend new water rates of $5.39 per every 1,000 gallons, up from the current rate of $3.88 per every 1,000 gallons. The recommended sewer rate increase went to $5.56 per 1,000 gallons up from the current rate of $3.93 per every 1,000 gallons. For the average Salem household, there would be an increase of about $7.57 per month for water and $8.65 per month for sewer. Also, they recommended the “out of the city” water and sewer customer increase be proportional to the “in the city” utility customer increase. Street Superintendent Gary Glenn reported on the fuel pump at the airport and that the card reader is not working and there will be someone here to repair it this week. The board approved the annexation of the Al Brown Fields into the city limits, and they also approved issuing trailer court licenses to the Finest Place on East Truman who is in compliance, and the Layman Mobile Court on North Pershing after they correct a few minor violations where they will then be in compliance. The Park Street Trailer Court has not yet submitted their application for the next fiscal year and is not in compliance. The meeting was then adjourned.

Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock wants to remind anyone who still has delinquent real estate taxes from 2015 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by Friday, June 29th during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes from 2015, 2016 and 2017 will be declared due by August 24th, 2018. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held August 28th, 2017. Check payments will no longer be accepted so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check, money order, debit or credit card. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s Office immediately so that it can be explained to you. This is very important so do not put it off any longer. Call the Dent County Collectors Office at 573-729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Also, after July 1st, there will be an additional $25 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for advertising costs in the Salem News. Remember, only the taxes for 2015 need to be paid IN FULL by Friday, June 29th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem will present the Independence Day Parade through downtown Salem on Wednesday, July 4th starting at 6:00 in the evening. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the American Dream.” Those businesses, churches or organizations wishing to be a part of the parade with a float, vehicle, walking delegation, classic car, tractor, or other representative method, need to fill out an entry form from the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office and submit it by June 29th to the chamber office by stopping by 200 South Main Street, sending it in by fax to 729-6741 or by e-mailing the form to chamber@salemmo.com. The parade route will be from the Southwest Baptist University Salem campus at the corner of South Grand and West Franklin to the Dent County Courthouse on the square, downtown. All entries should be at the lineup location by 5:30. If you have questions or need more information about the Independence Day Parade in Salem, call the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 729-6900, drop by 200 South Main Street or e-mail chamber@salemmo.com.

An accident happened Monday morning at 11:50 in Phelps County on Highway M three miles west of Edgar Springs. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2003 Suzuki 1000, driven by 55 year-old Randy Mace of Edgar Springs, was westbound when the Suzuki struck a deer in the roadway causing Mace to loose control and crash. Mace suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch Air to University Hospital in Columbia. The report stated that Mace was wearing safety equipment at the time of the accident. The Suzuki was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman Towing.