Local News

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met December 19th at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 90 clients in November. She also noted that all documents have been submitted to Maloney, Wright and Robbins for the 2017/2018 audit. Mobray said that the SEMA PREP visit was completed December 13th from 10:00 until 2:00. She also stated that she attended the Region I SEMA meeting in Lebanon December 12th. Mobray said that 463 Flu shots have been administered to date and they continue to be available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis with Flulaval, for ages 6 months and up, Flublock, for those with egg allergies, and High Dose Fluzone for ages 65 and up. The Health Center is able to bill private insurance and child Medicaid. Mobray went on to say that Flu shots are $37.00 for adults who are uninsured, plus if places of business or job sites are interested in Flu shot clinics they should contact the Dent County Health Center at 729-3106. She reported that filings for the two Board seats that will be expiring in April 2020 began December 17th and will continue through January 21st, 2020. Those interested in filing must do so in person at the Dent County Clerk’s office in the Dent County Courthouse during regular business hours. The Health Center reported 8 cases of Influenza with one related death, 1 case of Campylobacteriosis, 1 Meningococcal, plus investigated 2 animal bites. Mobray presented the Administrative Manual and Personnel Manual to the Board for annual approval. Both manuals were approved by unanimous vote. Pursuant to Section 610.021 of the Missouri Statutes, the Board went in to closed session where bids for HVAC, a phone system and flooring were reviewed. Upon returning to open session, bids for HVAC from Victor Heating and Cooling, a phone system from Advanced Telephone, LLC, and Toman’s Flooring were approved. DCHC expenses for November were approved and the next regular board meeting was set for January 16th at 5:00 at the Health Center.

The Dent County Sheriffs Department has released reports for the department’s activities between December 17th and the 20th. On Tuesday the 17th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop on 8th Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 2nd or 3rd offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and later released. Then on Thursday the 19th, a deputy observed a 28-year-old Salem woman the deputy knew to have active warrants through Dent County. The woman was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she later posted bond and was released. The next day on the 20th, a deputy responded to the 2000 block of Highway 68 for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival at the address, the deputy discovered that a 69-year-old man was the reported victim. After further investigation, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for trespassing in the 1st degree and property damage in the 2nd degree. The man was arrested, fingerprinted, issued summons and later released. If anyone has information regarding any investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday afternoon, December 19th at about 2:23, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 60-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $5.88. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday evening, December 20th close to 7:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of South Sligo in reference to someone banging on a door and trying to get in. That investigation revealed a 32-year-old male of Salem had pushed the front door of the residence in and assaulted a 21-year-old female of Salem. A further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for assault, damage to private property and harassment. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. On Saturday, December 21st, near noon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a red 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt from a residence in the 800 block of East Ellis. A further investigation revealed that a female suspect had used a credit card that was in the vehicle at various locations in Salem. Later that day the Licking Police Department reported seeing the stolen Cobalt and attempted to stop it. A pursuit ensued and ended in an accident. The driver of the Cobalt, a 43-year-old female of Salem was taken into custody for receiving stolen property and possession of methamphetamine. The report is still under investigation. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Salem Police at 729-4242.

Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk wanted to remind the public that the Collector’s office in the courthouse will have extended hours today as well as Monday and Tuesday of next week for the payment of your personal property taxes and real estate taxes. Her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 each evening. Vankirk says those paying their taxes can do so in person at the Dent County Collector’s Office in the Dent County Courthouse where you will get an immediate receipt. You can also drop them off in the drop box at the southwestern corner of the courthouse lawn. If you plan on mailing in your taxes, make sure that you have a postal clerk postmark the envelope with the date by December 31st to avoid penalties and interest. You may also pay your taxes online through the use of a credit or debit device. There is an additional charge for these types of payments as the collector’s office cannot cover the processing fees by state statute. Your tax receipt with any other method other than bringing your taxes to the collector’s office, will result in the tax receipt being mailed mailed to you. If anyone has a question about the payment of their taxes, contact the Dent County Collectors office at 729-3911 or stop by the Dent County Courthouse.

The Dent County Commissioner met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was not in attendance due to a previous commitment, so Road Supervisor Rodney Atkinson gave the road report for the district. He said brush would be cut on Dent County Roads 6470 and maintenance will be performed on county truck #119. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated brush would be cut on county roads 2150, 4400 and 4403. He also said materials would be added to county road 3200. Larson stated repair work was being done to county trucks #68 and #69. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind any vendor that is going to submit a bill to the county to be paid for work done in December should get them in to the clerk’s office before Monday morning at 10:00 as that will be the last day the commissioners will be able to approve and pay bills until the 2020 budget has been approved sometime in late January. Skiles again wanted to remind anyone who is interested in being the interim Dent County Assessor after the retirement of Tina Whitaker that will be effective December 31st at the end of the day, needs to let the commission know. Pursuant to Revised State Statutes of Missouri 150.030, the Dent County Commission will make an interim temporary appointment to fill the assessor position. Governor Mike Parson will eventually appoint a replacement to fill that position for the remainder of Whitaker’s term. The office will be up for election in 2020, but state statutes do not allow the new assessor to take office until the following September. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she continued to work on the 2020 budget. At the last meeting on Monday, Alisa Brookshire and Edie Wells both approached the commission with their interest to serve as interim Assessor. Tom Van Hatten from the 100-Acre Wood Rally was in attendance to visit about the rally. The next commissioner meeting will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

If you have a need for infant and toddler size gloves, mittens, hats, and children’s blankets during this bitterly cold weather, feel free to stop by the Dent County Health Center at the corner of Franklin and McArthur. The health center will have available a “Warming Tree” loaded with those items in their foyer and they are free to those who need them to stay warm. The tree will stay up through February. If you would like to help restock the items people have already taken from the tree, you can donate gloves, mittens, all sizes of hats and children’s blankets to the “Warming Tree.” For more information about the “Warming Tree” or about donating items to the “Warming Tree” at the Dent County Health Center, feel free to call them at 729-3106 or stop by Dent County Health Center at 601 S. McArthur.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development approved two organizations for a total of $1.1 million in grants and tax credits under the Workforce Training Initiative round one. The Workforce Training Initiative helps provide quality job training opportunities through non-profit organizations, local governments, community colleges, public technical colleges, and public universities. These programs will increase access to training to underserved areas and benefit 860 persons of low and moderate income. The initiative defines job training as a method of skill development derived from the practical application of work-related skills. This training prepares individuals for a specific job opportunity, particularly those within occupations that are experiencing growth. The Department of Economic Development worked closely with the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to select organizations to receive funding. The funds may be directed towards capital improvements, equipment, program supplies, and training materials. These projects will increase the number of students trained and improve the readiness of the students to enter their respective fields. One of the recipients was the City of Salem. Funding will be used by the City of Salem to construct a facility to house construction and technical trade programs for high school students and a manufacturing trade program for post-secondary adult students. This facility will provide all students with classroom instruction and real work experience. According to Salem City Administrator Ray Walden, this grant provides the community an opportunity to expand the Construction Trades and Computer Science programs. The City of Salem and the Salem R-80 District along with other stakeholders are committed to educational opportunities for both current students and adults. It’s the city’s expectation the investment this represents will benefit our community and the State for years to come. The other recipient is Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff.

On Friday, December 20th the Dent County Republican Committee received official notification that the Dent County Assessor, Tina Whitaker, will be retiring on December 31st, 2019. The Dent County Republican Committee will be holding a special meeting at the Dent County Court House this Friday evening, December 27th at 6:00, to interview anyone interested in being recommended to fill the Dent County Assessor position. Those interested also need to let the Dent County Commissioners know of their interest in the position. If you would like to attend this meeting to be interviewed for this recommendation, please call the Dent County Republican Chairman, Mike Homeyer, at 314-609-0117 to make your appointment to speak. The Governor will make the appointment to fulfill the assessor’s term.

A one vehicle accident happened Sunday evening at 8:33 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about ten miles south of St. James. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2012 Mazda 3 driven by 25-year old Samantha Ambrocia of St. Charles was driving southbound and struck a deer in the roadway. Ambrocia was transported by St. James ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The Mazda sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. According to the report, the driver was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Tuesday, December 3rd at about 11:45 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 East in reference to the theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed a male driver of a white Toyota SUV pumped fuel valued at $24.56 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. On the Friday night, the 13th of December at about 8:32, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Iron Street in reference to damage to private property. That investigation revealed a 25-year-old male of Salem had damaged property valued at $200.00 inside the residence after an argument that resulted in a fit of rage. A further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Saturday, the 14th of December at about 4:37 in the afternoon, an officer transported a 29-year-old male of Newburg from the Phelps County jail to the Dent County jail due to an active arrest warrant from the city of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Everyone from KSMO Radio and Your World Today wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. Because of the holidays, there will not be a Your World Today published on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Our next edition will be Thursday. Thank you from our family to yours!

Christmas Eve will be last day the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army will have their bell ringers at Wal-Mart. The local unit has set a fundraising goal of $35,000 to help those with needs in the 2020 year. We thank all those who have already contributed and remind those who have not yet given, the money you contribute may be helping your neighbor or friends as the money stays right here in Dent County. New this year, in an effort to expand its reach to people who don’t carry cash, donors are able to use their Apple Pay or Google Pay. Users can tap their smartphones on a sticker and make a donation. People with older phones can scan the QR code for the same process. Red kettle bell ringers will continue to accept cash as well. Your local Salvation Army Service Unit of Dent County, doing the most good.

KSMO Radio, Fairground Auto Plaza in Rolla, Southtown Furniture, Your Community Health Center in Rolla and Echo Bluff State Park in Shannon County all participated in the KSMO Radio Big Family Christmas Giveaway which ended Friday night. This years winners include Harlow Canaday whose name was draw at the Salem Community Center@The Armory which was the signup location for Your Community Heath Center; Megan Caesar was the name that was selected at Echo Bluff State Park; Judy Harris was the name that was drawn at Southtown Furniture, and winning the Big Family Giveaway at Fairground Auto Plaza was Chris and Jessie Crocker. Also for the first time, KSMO Radio and Aaron’s in Salem teamed up to provide the Big Kid Christmas Giveaway and Logan Hall was the winner of that giveaway. Congratulations to all the winners and a big “thank you” to everyone who registered for the chance to win. KSMO and Your World Today also want to thank the sponsors this year for making it all possible for this promotion to be held.

An accident happened on Saturday afternoon in Crawford County on westbound Interstate 44 at the 210 mile marker that left a Rolla woman with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Dodge Ram towing a motor home driven westbound by 64-year old Glenda Goodin of Rolla, began braking and the Ram and the motor home both traveled off the north side of the roadway where the Dodge Ram became separated from the motor home and began to overturn. As the Ram was overturning, the motor home ran over the Ram. A passenger in the Dodge, 50-year old Carrie Noonan of Rolla, suffered serious injuries and was flown to Mercy Creve Coeur Hospital by the Arch Air Ambulance. Goodin suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the North Crawford County Ambulance District. Both ladies were wearing their seat restraints. The high way patrol was assisted by the Cuba Fire Department.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley released the results from action taken in court in Dent County on December 18th in front of Judge Kelly Parker. Curley stated that Michael Rickey of Salem was in court on two probation cases: one for stealing and the other for the financial exploitation of the elderly. Rickey had previously completed a 120 day program under Revised State Statutes of Missouri Section 559.115. Rickey sought continued probation, but was denied and was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections as requested by the state. In the case against Rachel Casey of Salem, she pled guilty to the distribution and possession of a controlled substance. Casey sought incarceration of five years under the state program described in RSMO 559.115, but was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections under the long-term care drug treatment program under state statute 217.362. Also heard in Dent County was the probation hearing of Gregory Brooks of Salem. Prosecutor Curley asked for the execution of a 10-year sentence while Brooks requested drug court. Judge Parker sentenced Brooks to serve 10 years in the Department of Corrections under state statute 217.362.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol asks motorists to make safety a priority this Christmas season. The 2019 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Christmas Eve night and will end Christmas night at 11:59. If faced with a traffic emergency, become involved in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, both District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell and District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated that crews would be out sanding and salting county roads, especially on curves and hills and other slick spots that are shaded most of the time. Purcell also said that brush would be cut on Dent County Road 6420. Purcell went on to report that he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona Tuesday where funds are still available for many of their programs. Purcell says funds are still available for home repairs, weatherization, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, better known as LIHEAP. All applicants must meet particular income guidelines for each of the programs available. Renters must have owner approval and owner participation to receive services. For more information about any of the programs listed, call 729-3500 if you live in Dent County, call 573-663-2855 if you reside in Reynolds County, and for Shannon County residents, call 573-325-8271. You can also check out the website: https://scmcaa.org. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wants to remind those who are interested in the Dent County Assessor’s position after Assessor Tina Whitaker retires on December 31st, need to let the Dent County Commission know of your interest. Stop by the regular meetings on Monday or Thursday from 9:00 until 12:00 noon before the end of the year. Three people have already indicated to the commission of their interest in the position. The commissioners will appoint a person to take over the Assessor’s position to start on January 2nd. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she would be working on the county budget for 2020. The commissioners also approved by a 3-0 vote to renew the county’s liability insurance and auto insurances through MOPERM for the 2020 year. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of November. They issued four equipment repair orders, 13 summonses to appear in court, six warning tickets, and nine traffic tickets, plus they also served three fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated ten traffic accidents, wrote three property damage reports, seven stealing reports, and one trespassing report. The department investigated three reports of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, one driving while being intoxicated, four possession of a controlled substance reports, and five domestic violence reports. The department was also dispatched for 55 animal calls, 30 ambulance assist calls, 30 well being checks, 10 requests for information, and performed 62 traffic stops for the month. The Salem Police Department received 1155 calls during the month of November and had 113 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 7,181 miles during the month and spent 15 hours in court testifying and eight hours as court bailiff. There were 15 males and seven females arrested in November.

An accident happened at 6:30 Wednesday evening in Dent County on Highway 32 about 14 miles east of Salem. The report from the highway patrol states that a 1997 GMC Jimmy being driven by 19-year old Austin Roark of Salem, was eastbound when the GMC traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Roark was transported by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for the treatment of moderate injuries. According to the report, Roark was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The GMC was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The City of Salem has been trying to clean off the roads and are running into vehicles parked on the side streets. If possible, please remove your vehicles from the roadway so that the roads can be treated and cleaned properly that will make travel safer for everyone. Also, there are certain streets within the city limits of Salem that have been designated as emergency “Snow Routes.” These streets shall have priority over other streets for the clearing of snow, ice or other debris: Third Street to the west from Highway 19 to Dilworth Lane, and Third Street to the east from Pershing Avenue to Iron Mountain Road; Fourth Street from Pershing Avenue to McArthur Avenue; Sixth Street (Rolla Road) from McArthur Avenue to Pershing Avenue; Jackson Street to the north from Sixth Street (Rolla Road) to the dead end; Tenth Street from Highway 19 to Walnut Hill Drive; Pershing Avenue from Tenth Street to Highway 32/72 East; Center Street from Highway 19 to Craig Industrial Drive; Carty Street from Highway 32/72 East to Center Street; Craig Industrial Drive from Highway 32/72 to Iron Mountain Road; Babb Lane from Highway 32/72 West to Roosevelt Street; Doss Road south from Highway 32/72 East to the city limits; Roosevelt Street to the east from Highway 19 to Babb Lane and west from Highway 19 to Wines Street; Wines Street from Roosevelt Street to Highway 32/72 West; Missouri Avenue from Highway 32/72 West to Third Street; Park Street from Highway 32/72 West to Sixth Street (Rolla Road); Franklin Street to the west from McArthur Avenue to Highway 72 and to the east from Highway 19 to Pershing Avenue; Dilworth Lane from Route J to Highway 32 West; and Center Street to the west from Missouri Avenue to Dilworth Lane. Remember to remove your vehicle from these routes when an accumulation of ice and snow is expected so that the route can be cleared. Your car or truck could be towed at your expense, or you could be sited for a parking violation.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following reports for Wednesday, December 11th. First, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in 1700 block of Highway 32 West. During the course of the traffic stop, a 19-year-old Salem man was arrested for possession of marijuana and/or synthetic cannabinoid of 10 grams or less. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was finger-printed, issued a summons and then released. That same day, deputies traveled to the 1200 block of East Third Street to assist the Missouri Department of Social Services – Children’s Division with an investigation. Upon arrival at a residence, deputies arrested a 25-year-old Salem man, a 28-year-old Salem man, and a 23-year old Salem woman for the possession of a controlled substance. Also arrested during the incident was a 43-year-old Salem man for the possession of a controlled substance and keeping or maintaining a public nuisance. A 55-year-old Salem man was arrested for warrants through Dent County for failure to register as a sex offender and a also a Probation and Parole warrant. All of the subjects were transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail and incarcerated. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241 if you have any information relative to these incidents.

Santa’s Workshop will be held Friday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory from 4:30 to 6:30 where children can come and have pictures with Santa Claus, do crafts, enjoy hot chocolate and more. The event is FREE and open to everyone.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released the following incident reports. On Monday, December 2nd, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Route H for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 30-year-old man was the reported victim of the burglary. The investigation is ongoing. On Wednesday, December 4th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 1400 block of South Washington Street in an attempt to serve an arrest warrant through Dent County. During the course of the incident, a 57-year-old Salem man was arrested and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he was incarcerated. That same day a deputy conducted a traffic stop near the Highway 19 and Highway 32 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 25-year-old Rolla woman was arrested for having an active warrant through Boone County. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she later posted bond. The next day, Thursday December 5th, deputies responded to the 3000 block of Route W for the report of a burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a Salem woman was the reported victim of the burglary. The investigation is ongoing. Finally on Sunday, December 8th, deputies traveled to Forest Service Road 2748 to assist the Conservation and Forest Service with a possible burglary. Deputies arrived and during the course of the investigation they discovered that a 64-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman were the reported victims of the burglary. Suspect information was obtained from the couple and the investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 573-729-3241 if you have any information about any of the ongoing investigations.

Salem Chamber of Commerce has announced the Christmas Parade winners. First place commercial exhibit went to The Bank of Salem while the first place non- commercial was won by Salem Church of Christ. Grace Manes took 1st place horsemanship honors. Thank you to everyone who participated for the many wonderful entries. The Chamber has received positive comments all week on the success of the parade. Well done Salem!

The Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army wants to thank the citizens of Dent County for adopting all the “angels” from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart this year. These unselfish gestures are what make Dent County so special when it comes to caring for our neighbors.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Wednesday morning, December 4th, at approximately 8:15, the School Resource Officer was advised that a 15- year-old juvenile female of Salem was in possession of a vape device at school. The investigation of the report led to the detention of the juvenile suspect for possessing a vape device. The juvenile was released to a parent.The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. The next day, Thursday December 5th, at approximately 1:45, the School Resource Officer was advised a student was in possession of a vape device at school. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male of Salem for possession of a vape device under the age of 18. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Finally on Sunday afternoon, December 8th, at approximately 2:14 an officer located a 30 year-old male of Salem near Washington and Franklin who had an active arrest warrant from Missouri State Probation and Parole. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Public Library offer “Books on the Run.” This is a delivery and pickup service for homebound residents of Salem as well as local
nursing homes and care facilities. This free program has been a successful partnership between Salem Public Library and Enrichment Services of Dent County for over 20 years! “Books on the Run” conveniently picks up previously checked out materials and delivers new materials on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Materials available from the library in the program include books, CD audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-Rays. Please contact the library for application information at 729-4331 or stop by at 403 N. Jackson Street.

An accident happened Sunday night in Phelps County at 7:15 on Route F at the Dry Ford Creek Bridge about 5.4 miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Ford F-150 pickup driven eastbound by 60-year old Colleen Marxkors of Rolla, lost traction with the road and the pickup went off the roadway and into a ditch. Marxkors suffered serious injuries and was taken by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained extensive damage in the accident and was removed from the scene by Tunes Wrecker.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, both District 1 and District 2 Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Gary Larson stated their crews were out treating chip and seal roads, and concentrating on hills and curves on all county roads to make them passable. Purcell stated that a crew had to install new road signs on Dent County Road 6225 and Larson said another crew would be working at the shop changing a spreader box from one pickup to a different truck. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting that he attended last Thursday at the MRPC office. Skiles said the standing priority concern is to make Highways 63 and 50 four lanes through the Ozark Region. The members then heard about the 30 other transportation priority needs from the other counties before voting on the priorities they felt were the most important that need to be addressed. The Gladden Creek (or Standing Rock) Bridge came in as the 3rd most important concern from the committee. This does not mean that the bridge will be replaced immediately, but if MoDOT should find extra funds it could be moved up on the list. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she would be working on the 2020 county budget. The next meeting will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

After 42 years of federal service, 36 with the National Park Service (NPS), Ozark National Scenic Riverways Superintendent Larry Johnson is retiring on January 3, 2020. Larry has been the superintendent at the park since 2015. Johnson is extremely proud of his time at Ozark, during which he led the park through an extensive recovery effort following the devastating flood of April 2017. He guided the initial emergency response as well as the longer-term planning efforts for rebuilding.Johnson and his wife of 38 years, Jan, will stay in the Van Buren area for a time before ultimately settling down in Iowa to be close to their family. Meanwhile, Larry looks forward to more exploration of the area, spending more time researching family history and hiking and biking area trails. A retirement luncheon will be held at noon on Friday, December 20th, at park headquarters in Van Buren. Guests are welcome and can R.S.V.P. by calling (573) 323-4852.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Commission’s December 13th meeting for upcoming deer-hunting and fall turkey season dates. The 2020 and 2021 Archery Deer Hunting Dates will be September 15th through November 13th and November 25th through January 15th, 2021. Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. Firearms Deer Hunting Dates are October 31st through November 1st for the Firearms Deer Early Youth Portion. The Firearms Deer November Portion will be November 14th through the 24th. Firearms Deer Late Youth Portion will be November 27th through the 29th. Firearms Deer Antlerless Portion will be conducted December 4th through the 6th. Finally, the Firearms Deer Alternative Methods Portion will be December 26th through January 5th, 2021. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in MDC’s “2020 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklets. Both will be available where permits are sold prior to the related seasons. Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around
the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more about deer and turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart still has a number of “angels” remaining as of Sunday evening and the last day to adopt an “angel” will be Tuesday. It is the goal of the Dent County Salvation Army Service Unit to try to make sure that every Dent County child’s Christmas morning is bright and you can help by adopting an angel. It is easy to help out. Just follow these steps: Select a tag representing a specific child from the “Angel Tree” at Wal-Mart. Then shop for gifts based on the parent’s suggestions. You do not have to purchase everything on the list, just use it as a guideline. Once you are finished shopping, bring the unwrapped gifts to the Wal-Mart Service Desk along with the “angel tag” by tomorrow. Your gifts will be distributed to your adopted “angel” on Thursday, December 19th. For questions about the “Angel Tree,” please contact the Dent County Service Unit of the Salvation Army at 729-8163.

A fatality accident occurred late Saturday morning at around 11:15 in Phelps County on Grant Road approximately six tenths of a mile
south of the Doolittle city limits. The report from the highway patrol states that three female juveniles were traveling north on a 2009 Kubota RTV 1140 CPX and the accident happened as the vehicle was making a left turn and started to skid, overturned and ejected all three of the occupants, landing on top of the 14-year old victim who was transported by Phelps Health EMS to Phelps Health and was pronounced dead at 12:10 by Dr. Clay in the Phelps Health emergency room. The other two 13 year old juveniles were not injured in the accident. According to the report, none of the juveniles were wearing safety devices. There was no damage to the Kubota.

An accident occurred Saturday evening at 5:05 in Dent County on Highway 19 about seven miles north of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Renegade driven by 59-year old Martha Tibbs of Salem was traveling southbound and struck a deer. Tibbs suffered minor injuries and was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance. She was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened in Maries County Friday afternoon at 4:15 on Highway 63 in Vichy involving 2 Rolla residents. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2004 Ford Ranger driven by 20-year old Mark Kidd of Rolla was southbound when he was struck from behind by a 2005 Ford Freestyle being driven by 27-year old Randa Fogelman of Rolla. Kidd was transported by the Ozark Central EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. Both drivers were wearing safety restraints according to the report. The Ranger sustained extensive damage and was driven from the scene. The Freestyle was totaled and removed from the scene by C&C Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. After the consent agenda is approved, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden who will provide the board an update on current city projects and update them on office holiday closures as well as a discussion on the December utility bills. After Walden has completed his report, the board will discuss a trailer court license application submitted for approval. Chief Keith Steelman will discuss the destruction of 2013 police records with the board. The Board will also hear Resolution #27-2019 that authorizes the filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Natural bResources State Revolving Loan Fund program for the construction of the new sewer to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The board will then go into closed session to discuss real estate, contracts and personnel. The meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) at the Commission’s December 13th meeting for upcoming turkey-hunting season dates. The 2020 Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting dates are as follows. Spring Youth Portion will be April 4th and 5th and Regular Spring Turkey Season will be April 20th through May 10th, while Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be October 1st through 31st. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in MDC’s “2020 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information.” Buy Missouri hunting permits from numerous vendors around the state, online at mdc.mo.gov/buypermits, or through MDC’s free mobile apps, MO Hunting and MO Fishing, available for download through Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Learn more about turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell was not in attendance due to a prior commitment. Road Supervisor Rodney Atkinson gave the road report and stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2440, 5015 and 5080 while only grading would be done to roads 5085, 5520 and 5530. He also stated that brush would be cut on county road 6410. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2550 and 3200 while only grading would be done on county road 3190. Larson went to say brush would be cut on county roads 2200 and 5330. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday that prioritized the transportation needs in the MRPC region. Skiles also attended the regular MRPC Board meeting that evening. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that she balanced with the Dent County Treasurer on all accounts. Curley said her office received a $2,627.65 Election Efficiency Grant from the state for equipment maintenance, poll pads and other items. She also said she was working on the county 2020 budget. Dent County Collector Shannon Vankirk said the Collector’s office in the courthouse would have extended hours on December 26th, 27th, 30th and 31st from 8:00 in the morning until 5:30 each evening. Vankirk wanted to remind those paying their taxes that they can do so in person at the Dent County Collector’s Office, drop them off in the drop box at the southwestern corner of the courthouse lawn, by mailing them as long as they are postmarked by December 31st, or pay them online through the use of a credit or debit device. Be aware there is an additional charge to use a credit or debit device. If anyone has a question about the payment of their taxes, contact the Dent County Collectors office at 729-3911. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

As the Christmas Holiday rapidly approaches, so do the cutoff dates established by the US Postal Service about the mailing dates for expected delivery before December 25th. Domestic mailing deadlines for First-Class Packages is December 20th, Priority Mail December 21st and Priority Mail Express is December 23rd. If you have packages going to service men and women outside the United States your package mailing deadlines are this Saturday for Priority Mail Express International and December 19th for Global Express Guaranteed. For costs and more information about the dates and deadlines, contact the Salem Post Office at 729-3442.

The Salem FFA Chapter has beautiful red and white poinsettias for sale from their greenhouse. The cost of each poinsettia is $8.00. For more information, call the Salem FFA Department at 739-2016 or call the Salem High School Office at 729-6641 and leave a message.

Dillard Mill State Historic Site invites visitors to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from noon to 2:00, Saturday, December 14th. Santa Claus is gearing up for his Christmas deliveries and has once again contacted Dillard Mill to grind special oats for his reindeer. This free event will be at the mill where Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out ornaments and candy to children. Bring your camera and dress for the weather. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served. Dillard Mill State Historic Site is one of Missouri’s best-preserved water-powered gristmills. This mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s. In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the park office building. Dillard Mill State Historic Site State Park is located at 1142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. For more information about the event, call the historic site at 573-244-3120. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

A Winter ’19 Art Party Sponsored by the Salem Area Arts Council will be Friday night, December 20th, from 6:30-9:00 in the Creative Arts Center (Formerly the Teachers’ Closet) Bring yourself, your bestie, or a hot date to the Creative Arts Center in Salem and paint a matching (or complementary) picture. You can paint a fun scene and put your own special creative spin to it, then take it home. The cost is $25 per single or $40 per couple, and all supplies are included–acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas, and easels. Led by artist Danielle Norris, this event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting (573) 247-0279 and arranging to pay your fee to reserve your spot.