Local News

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the city hall council chambers after a Salem Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and meeting. The board did not receive any bids for Fiberglass Primary Electric Enclosures or the 4/0 Aluminum TRXPLE underground primary wire. Both will have to be rebid. The board did receive two bids for 20-foot and 30-foot utility poles from Bridgewell and McFarlane Cascade. The board went with the bid from McFarlane Cascade as the 30-foot poles are $195 each and the 40-foot poles are $301/each. This is a budgeted item and there is still room in the budget for the purchase. The board received two bids for the electric department for 25 KVA and 37.5 KVA transformers: one from Solomon and the other from T&R Electric. The board went with the T&R Electric bid for 10 25 KVA transformers for $517 each, and five 37.5 KVA transformers for $623 each. The total cost came to $8,285 that falls within the budgeted amount. The board approved the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board to annex the Al Brown Fields into the city limits along with other city owned property at 400, 402, 500 and 502 N. Water Street. They did table a request from the Walk by Faith Ministries concerning the old Brickhouse Restaurant property as more information was needed. City Administrator Ray Walden said city crews held a work day at the Cedar Grove Cemetery before Memorial Day. He wanted to let people know the city would be picking up storm debris all week as long as people have the limbs and biodegrable bags at their curb side. Walden had Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon give a report on the pool and the Summer Kickoff event at the City Park held Saturday sponsored by the city and Healthy Dent County. A re-dedication of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool was held followed by free swimming where the pool was literally packed with people. The movie was postponed due to the weather, but it will be rescheduled at a later date. Lydon did say the new healthy foods added to the menu were selling very well at the concession stand. The board approved bill #3389 creating an ordinance that will allow Premier Pyrotechnics to shoot off the fireworks for the 2018 Independence Day fireworks display at The Commons. The board approved the appointment of Josh Gordon to the Library Board to replace Will Hubbs who no longer lives in the city limits and had to resign. They also approved the purchase of cold mix for street repair from Capital materials for $4,319.70 before going into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released more reports. On Friday night, May 25th, at about 8:21, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 26-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $8.10. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday afternoon, May 26th, close to 5:41, an officer transported a 20-year-old male of Black, MO from Howes Mill to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Later that same afternoon at about 5:50, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That Investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year old male and a 26- year old male for stealing merchandise from the store. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that evening at approximately 8:10, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 28-year old male of Salem for the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Sunday morning, May 27th, at almost 11:00, an officer transported a 19-year old male of Salem from Phelps County Jail to Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

This Thursday morning starting at 10:30 and lasting about an hour, all preschoolers are invited to explore rhymes and rhythm at Rhyme Tyme Preschool Program at the Salem Public Library. This story time comes complete with silly songs and a simple craft as part of the fun! The library is located at 403 North Jackson Street in Salem. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

It’s time for the “Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program for students in grades 6 through 12 at the Salem Public Library at 403 North Jackson Street. Those students are invited to get creative at the library! Prizes will be awarded for the most awesome entries in 2 categories: for those in grades 6-8 and those in grades 9-12. The artwork may be drawn any time between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM this Thursday. Judging will take place at 5:30 PM. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated Montauk State Park received five inches of rain on Thursday evening in just under an hour and a half and another 2.5 inches on Saturday afternoon. Road crews had to address damages to the roads around and to the park. After the Saturday rain, Dent County Road 6600 sustained extensive damage as the road and road base eroded causing a hole of about 30 feet wide and 20 or so feet deep, totally washing out the road. Road crews from both districts put 26 truckloads of gravel in the crevice to make the road passable. Crews were continuing to work on washouts throughout both districts. Purcell said that regular grading schedule for the county has been postponed as the crews continue their emergency repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2510 while materials will be added and patch grading done on county road 2120. Grading is also going to be done on Dent County Road 4430. Larson said grader #27 was being worked on with a hydraulic line that blew out. Larson went on to say that a man would be patching pot holes on chip and seal roads with the ultimate paving material. Larson again wanted to remind everyone to be patient as the county continues to address emergency road situations before their normal grading schedule can be addressed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended an MRPC Investment Committee meeting Friday to discuss the fee structure that member cities and counties will need to pay to the MRPC. The committee will make their recommendation to the entire MRPC Board. Skiles also said the time is now for all entities involved to review the draft of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Dent County and make their comments by June 13th. It is also imperative the entities involved in the program, which includes the schools, need to submit a record of the time they have put in reviewing the plan to MRPC. This will help reduce the cost of the plan to the county. That information needs to be submitted as quickly as possible. For more information, people or entities can contact Ryan Dunwoody at 265-2993. The commission received one carpet bid for the courthouse courtroom and adjacent areas and elected not to open the bid. Instead they elected to re-bid the project and extend the deadline to June 24th at 10:00. The county did receive three bids for the installation of the windows on the 3rd floor of the courthouse. The county selected the bid from Armin Scheller of Restoration Services for $10,750.00. Kendra Mobray from the Dent County Health Center was in to make a presentation to the commission to get a resolution that would allow the health center to become part of the St. Louis County’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The commission voted to approve moving forward to join the program as it applies to Schedule 2 through 5 narcotic prescriptions at an annual cost of $264.10. A resolution to that effect will be presented at the next commissioner meeting that will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse it will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Thursday evening, May 24th, at about 8:24, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West First Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation of the report revealed that a 45-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 20-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Later that night at approximately 10:26, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 41-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $22.47. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Friday morning, May 25th, at about 8:26 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Pershing Street in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a push type lawn mower valued at $300.00. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at approximately 2:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of South Hickory Street in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Stihl weed eater valued at $329.00 from the back of a truck. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened in Crawford County on Highway 8 just east of Eagle Hurst Road at 4:15 Sunday afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Ford Fusion driven eastbound by 22-year old Cody Miller of St. James was slowing to turn into a driveway when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2018 Ford Mustang by 21-year old Bennett Covington of Cadet, Missouri. Suffering minor injuries was 36-year old Tara Martin of St. James who was a passenger in the Fusion. She was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing seat restraints. The Ford Mustang was totaled and the Fusion sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing of Steelville.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, Ameren Missouri customers will see natural gas rates drop under a filing that took effect on Friday, June 1st. Residential customers in Ameren Missouri’s Rolla service area that includes Rolla, Salem and Owensville, will see natural gas rates drop by approximately $0.09 per Ccf. Approximately 55% to 60% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission, but they do conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves about 129,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. The board will review bids for fiberglass primary electric enclosures, 2,500 feet of 4/0 aluminum TRXLPE underground primary wire, utility poles, and transformers. City Attorney William Camm Seay will announce a public hearing was held before the Alderman meeting on the annexation of Al Brown Fields and properties on North Water Street. Following the consent agenda Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, will report on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and hearing held prior to the Board of Alderman meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report followed by Mayor Brad Nash’s report. Bill #3389, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Premier Pyrotechnics, Inc., for the 2018 fireworks display at The Commons July 4th will be introduced and read. Under new and miscellaneous business, the Library Board is requesting approval to appoint Josh Gordon to the Library Board. Street Superintendent Gary Glenn will request approval to purchase cold mix to repair streets in the amount of $4,319.70. The board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 29th, deputies responded to the 9000 block of Route H for a report of a burglary. After an investigation, it was determined that a 30-year old Salem man had kicked in the door of a residence and entered the house. He was located in the ditch line about 100 yards from the house. He was arrested for 2nd degree burglary and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Wednesday May 30th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. The driver, a 20-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while under the influence. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Friday, June 1st, deputies responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a report of trespassing. It was discovered that a 38-year old Salem man at the residence had a warrant. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. If anyone has information on any incident, please call the sheriff’s department at 729-3241.

Public comment is now being accepted, until June 13, 2018, on the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is available for review on Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s website at www.meramecregion.org and click on publications. The plan is located under the Hazard Mitigation Plans for Dent County. A hard copy of the plan is also available at the Dent County Courthouse. The purpose of the plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. It is required that the county have a plan in place in order to be eligible for several Federal Emergency Management Agency grant programs. Several entities participated in the planning process to update the plan, including the Dent County Commission, City of Salem, Salem R-80 School District, Oak Hill R-1 School District, Dent-Phelps R-III School District, North Woods R-IV School District, Green Forest R-II School District, Dent County Health Department, The Salem News, Healthy Dent County, Salem Memorial District Hospital, KSMO Radio, Lenox Fire Department, Montauk Fire Department, Intercounty Electric, Seville Care Center, Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Dent County Fire Department. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitated focus group meetings and assisted these entities in developing the plan. Following a public comment period, a final draft will be created and sent to FEMA and SEMA for review and approval. If you need assistance locating the plan or have questions, please contact Ryan Dunwoody at MRPC at 573-265-2993.

Everyone is invited out to the 3rd Annual “Kickoff to Summer” event this Saturday from 11:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night at the Salem City Park sponsored by the City of Salem and Council for a Healthy Dent County. This day will be jam packed with attractions including a dunk tank, face painting, and food trucks that will open at 11:00. Live music will be provided by Jake Conway and Heath Gaddy starting at 1:00 in the pool parking lot. If you have not been to the Salem City Park in over a year, you may be amazed at the changes that have been made. The kickoff will include a review of those improvements made to the park and the re-dedication of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool beginning at about 11:45. There will be no admission costs to enter the pool on Saturday. Families are encouraged to attend and enjoy Billie’s Playground, the new splash pad, tennis court, skate park and basketball court. To end the night, the movie “Rio” will be the feature presentation starting at 8:30 at the pool and this is free! Cash is suggested to purchase your food during the event from the food trucks. Remember, parking is not going to be held at the pool parking lot. Those attending can park at the T-Ball fields, at the Salem Community Center@The Armory, the west parking lot behind the batting cages and on Park Street. Parking can also be done on the parking lot across the street from the Armory. Come and enjoy a fun-filled day with your family this Saturday in our beautiful, updated Salem City Park. If you need ADA access to the event, e-mail Tye Lydon at salemparks@salemmo.com or call 729-6290 to make arrangements.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Monday, May 21st. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that a proposed ordinance for joining the St. Louis County’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program was provided to Dent County Presiding Commissioner. Mobray said she is on the agenda for the Commissioner’s Meeting on Monday, June 4th to discuss the proposal. Mobray reported three new computers and a phlebotomy chair have been purchased with Missouri Foundation for Health funds and the remaining funds will be used for new waiting room toys. She also said outpatient lab services were provided to 28 clients in April. Mobray stated “Ready in 3” training was completed by all employees and the staff provided the “Ready in 3″ education at a US Foods event on April 28th. They are looking for additional opportunities to teach individuals and families how to be more prepared for a disaster. Mobray indicated lodging inspections began in May and will continue until completion. She went on to say two county residents with confirmed septic system violations have been forwarded to Andrew Curley, Prosecuting Attorney, due to non-compliance. Mobray reported that an additional $1000 was awarded to Child Care Health Consultation funding. Funds will be utilized to update training supplies and curriculum. Mobray did say that reports of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever were investigated in the month of May, along with an animal bite, one case of Legionellosis and one Salmonellosis. The next regular board of trustees meeting date was then set for Monday June 18th at 5:00 before the meeting was adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, May 20th, deputies responded to the 19000 block of Highway 32 East for a report of trespassing. After an investigation, a 49-year old Salem woman and a 25-year old Rolla woman were charged with trespassing and issued summons. On Monday, May 21st, deputies received a report of a stolen firearm from County Road 6240. The gun is described as a Marlin 30-30 with a stock. This report is still under investigation. Later that same day, deputies responded to the 43000 block of Highway 72 for a report of property damage. This was discovered that two windows were broken at the residence. This report is currently under investigation. On Thursday, May 24th, deputies traveled to a residence on County Road 6400 to make contact with a female with a warrant. The 40-year old Salem woman was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. On Friday, May 25th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on South Main Street in Salem. The driver, a 47-year old Salem woman, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Saturday, May 26th, deputies responded to the 25000 block of Route C for a report of a burglary. It was reported that a chainsaw and hedge trimmer were stolen out of the garage. The chainsaw was a Stihl model MS180 with a 16” bar. This report is still under investigation. Later that same day, deputies received a report of a stolen firearm from the 5000 block of Route N. It is described as a black Smith and Wesson M&P shield with dark grey fingernail polish in the engravings. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday, May 22nd at the hospital library. Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill gave the summary of operations for April that showed a gain from operations of $41,519 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $53,130 for the month. In April, 75 patients were admitted to the hospital as acute care patients per day for April came in at 10.1. A large amount of swingbed patients occurred during April with 143 in-patient census days being reported. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $57,852 for the month with days in accounts receivable dropping to 60 due. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 670 emergency room visits, 221 ambulance runs with 152 patients being transported to the hospital, 30 surgical procedures, 1,557 outpatient registrations, 334 home health visits, 7,133 lab tests, 1,038 radiological procedures and 650 rehab treatments. The days cash-on-hand for the hospital stands at 89 year-to-date and that continues to be way over the Critical Access Hospital state average of 65 for Critical Access Hospitals. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas gave a report on the “One America” Retirement after using it for one year. Lucas said 60% of all hospital employees use the program that has 32 different investment options. Contributions from April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018 came in at $693,628. The hospital is currently looking at plan pricing on deposit activity. An employee meeting will be held late this summer to review. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported on the hospital foundation and the board voted to make it into a 501 C 3 non-profit entity that will give the hospital a chance to apply for grants they currently can not at this time. He also said there is still time to be a part of the Annual Foundation Golf Tournament to be held on June 8th at the Spring Creek Golf Club. He also said the sign in front of the hospital is going to be raised and include Family Medicine Clinic, Air Evac, the VA Clinic and Long Term Care. The Hospital Auxiliary met May 1st with nine members present and they will not meet again until September. The board approved Courtesy Staff privileges for Joseph Hime, MD; Scott Klenzak, MD; Dwayne Narayan, MD; George Northrup, MD; Gregory Renck, MD; and Anne-Mare Turnier, MD who are all tele-psych physicians. The board approved active staff privileges for Dr. Naser Almasalmeh, MD for the Emergency Department and as an Internal Medicine physician. The Finance Committee met and the board will review the budget before voting on it in June. The budget shows an increase in rates an average of about 4% across the board. They expect expenses to increase between 1 and 4% in salaries, 4% in the retirement plan, 4% in supply costs and 7.5% in drug costs. The capital budget was also reviewed for the upcoming fiscal year that includes capital purchases of Evident Clinical Module for information technology and software for home health for a total of $112,820, new fire doors for $25,000, an endoscopy for surgery for $50,000 and numerous other items that need replacing or updating. The hospital also has lease obligations that total $128,087 for the next fiscal year. The operating budget showed reductions in the expected in patient admissions of 1% and 2% in the Emergency Department. Total net operating revenue in the 2019 fiscal year is expected to be about $22,795,221 while the expected expenses at $22,665,432 that would leave an expected gain from operations of $129,789 and an excess of revenues after tax revenue at $609,789. The board approved the purchase of a specialized microscope for the Lab from Olympus for $10,246 to replace an old microscope, the purchase of food tray delivery carts for dietary for $3,617 from US Foods, and a new vital sign monitor for Long Term Care from Medline for $3,588. The board then went into closed session.

Nine people died in traffic crashes over the 2018 Memorial Day weekend. In 2017 nine people were killed during the three-day weekend. During the counting period, the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated 294 traffic crashes which included 124 injuries and all eight fatalities. Troopers also arrested 121 people for driving while intoxicated and made 102 drug arrests. There were zero boating fatalities over the 2018 Memorial Day weekend. Marine operations troopers investigated 12 boating crashes involving 10 injuries. There were no drownings during the Memorial Day holiday. Marine troopers arrested 16 boaters for boating while intoxicated and made 29 drug arrests.

The Salem Parks and Recreation Department wants to remind everyone their Outdoor Adventure Camp will begin Monday morning at 8:00. This camp will feature all kinds of outdoor activities including archery, kayaking, crafts, geocaching and more. The cost is $6.00 per day, $25 per week or $150 for the whole camp that lasts until July 27th. For more information or to sign up, contact Tye Lydon at 729-6290.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 5:54 in Crawford County on Highway 49 about 7/10ths of a mile from Sellers Road. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Harley Davidson, driven by 50-year old Carey Conaway of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the right side of the roadway and impacted a ditch. Conaway suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital by Iron County EMS. The Harley sustained extensive damage and was towed by Blacky’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released a report. On Sunday, May 20th, at 8:19 in the evening a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation of the stop led to the arrest of an 18 year-old female of Rolla for possession of Cocaine. The suspect was released pending a warrant application. At 2:08 p.m. on Monday, May 21st, an officer transported a 25 year-old male of Salem, from the St. Francis County Jail to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the city of Salem. Later that same evening at approximately 9:32 a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male of Salem for driving while revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. At approximately 11:48 that night an officer was dispatched to the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health Center located on Grand Street and Third Street in reference to a 23 year-old female of Salem who had broken out a window of the building valued at $250. That investigation of the report led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday evening, May 22nd, at approximately 6:50, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of East Gibbs Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. That investigation led to the arrest of a 63-year-old male and a 51-year-old female, both of Salem, for the possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled substances, and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspects were released pending the application for warrants. Later that same evening at approximately 9:26, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That stop led to the arrest of a 47-year old male of Salem for driving while revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

Weather permitting, general highway maintenance and construction work will take place in the area during the two-week period starting today and lasting through June 8th. Many projects will include lane closures that could cause delays. Pavement patching will take place Thursday, May 31st, on Highway 32 between Route W and Craig Industrial Drive. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area. Roadway resurfacing continues on Highway 119 between Highway 32 and Dent County Road 6670. One lane will be open. Crews and a pilot car will guide traffic through the work area. A culvert pipe replacement will take place Tuesday, May 29th through Thursday, May 31st on Route DD between Route H and Dent County Road 2210. One lane will be open, and crews will flag traffic through the work area. MoDOT reminds motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow posted signs and drive safely through work areas. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit their website at www.modot.org/central.

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District announced four Salem R-80 students were honored with first and second place awards and honorable mentions in the 27th Annual Earth Day Poster, Trash and Graphic Art contest. This year’s contest theme was “Be a Hero: Your Planet Needs You.” Winners from the Salem R-80 District were 8th grader Johnny Scott from the Salem Middle School who took 1st Place in Trash Art; 6th grader Cooper Beeson from the Salem Middle School who captured 2nd Place in Trash Art; senior Emily Nash from the Salem High School who was given Honorable Mention in Poster Art; and junior Nick Stringer from Salem High School who was given Honorable Mention in Trash Art. Salem R-80 students participating in the contest were under the direction of teachers Angela Dingess (Salem Middle School) and Bessie Sanders (Salem High School). Congratulations R-80 students!

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that materials would be added to and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6410 and 6580, while grading only would be done on county roads 4220, 6010 and 5420. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2570, 4300 and 2360, plus patch grading would be done to fix washouts on county roads 4430, 2320, 2050 and 2330. He went on to say that materials would be added to Dent County Roads 3270, 4300, 2320 and 2360. Larson said that a man was screening brown rock at the Road and Bridge Department and that the recent numerous washouts had really worked on depleting the supply of brown rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that all three Commissioners attended the Hazardous Mitigation Plan meeting Monday afternoon, plus he attended the GRO meeting Tuesday evening. He went on to report that he would be attending the Region I Homeland Security Committee Meeting in St. James Thursday afternoon. Skiles reminded everyone that the Commission is seeking bids on new carpet for the courtroom and for the installation of windows on the third floor of the Courthouse and that the Courthouse would be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that Tuesday she attended the website meeting with Tabitha Utley, Ray Walden and others. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in to report that the CART receipts for May were $59,599.54, which is up year-to-date $2,356.32 or nearly .85%. She noted that $59,008.06 was received for May of 2017. Due to the Courthouse being closed on Monday for Memorial Day next regular meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Memorial Day weekend is here you and you will have an opportunity to visit family or friends, go to one of Missouri’s lakes, or enjoy any number of recreation opportunities in the state. A safe, fun weekend starts with you. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61 on May 25, 2018 and May 28, 2018. Troopers taking part in the holiday peak travel crash reduction enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations. Over the 2017 Memorial Day holiday weekend, nine people died and 496 were injured in 1,122 traffic crashes. Last year, troopers made 107 DWI arrests. This year’s fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6:00 Friday evening and it ends at 11:59 Monday night. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, impaired drivers, hazardous moving violations, and speed violations. Motorists are encouraged to be safe and courteous drivers. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Motorists in need of assistance Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol’s website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, joined by 14 other state attorneys general, filed an amicus brief supporting the repeal of the Obama Administration’s 2017 Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule. The brief argues that this Rule, adopted on the very last day of the Obama Administration, was both illegal and economically unjustifiable. The 1990 Organic Foods Production Act was intended to impose specific feed and medicinal production standards for “USDA certified organic” products. In contrast, the 2017 Rule focused almost entirely on animal care and living conditions, imposing stringent requirements that poultry have access to outdoor soil. Legally, the states argue, the Obama USDA did not have statutory authority to enact animal-welfare regulations about outdoor access under the guise of regulating organic foods. Economic analysis also demonstrates that this regulation would have been extremely harmful for small organic farmers and consumers across the country. The high cost of complying with this rule would have likely driven many producers out of the organic farming business, leading to an estimated loss of $80-86 billion. This, in turn, would have driven up the cost of the organic products, harming consumers and reducing consumer choices. Missouri has 302 certified organic farms, totaling 41,078 acres. Missouri farmers produced 386 million organic eggs in 2016, generating over $70 million in revenue.

An accident occurred Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 in Dent County on Highway 32 at Boss that took the life of a Salem woman. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2007 Pontiac G5, driven by 36 year-old Laurel Cottingham, was eastbound when the vehicle crossed the center line, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck the bridge abutment. The Pontiac then spun around and struck the other side of the bridge. Cottingham was pronounced deceased at 1:30 by Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells. The report stated that the victim was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Pontiac was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 8th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Roosevelt Street near Highway HH. The driver, a 26-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving without a valid license. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. On Wednesday, May 9th, deputies conducted a knock-and-talk investigation at a residence on County Road 2380. Consent to search was granted and a glass methamphetamine smoking device was located. The smoking devices field tested positive for methamphetamine. Also located was a pistol. As a result, a 50-year old Salem man was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, May 10th, deputies responded to Private Lane 619 for a domestic disturbance. Consent to search a vehicle was granted and Ziploc bags of marijuana were located in the trunk. As a result, a 26-year old Salem man was arrested. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. On Saturday, May 12th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 4110. The driver, a 29-year old Salem man, was arrested for while revoked. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. Later that day deputies responded to a residence on Highway 68 for a domestic disturbance. After an investigation a 26-year old Salem man was arrested for felony domestic assault 3rd degree. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, May 5th, deputies responded to the 20,000 block of Highway C for a burglary. It was reported that the lock to the gate had been cut and a window had been broken. At a nearby residence, a light fixture had been pulled out of a light post. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, May 15th, deputies attempted to serve a felony arrest warrant at a residence on Highway K. Consent to the search was granted and the 33-year old Salem man was located hiding in the attic. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, May 17th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on County Road 6210 near Highway Z. The driver, a 24-year old Salem woman, was arrested for driving while suspended. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If you have information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at (573) 729-3241.

The American Legion Walker-Roney Post 99 in Salem will host a Memorial Day Service on Memorial Day Monday, beginning at 10 am at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Master of Ceremonies will be Chaplain Richard LaBrash. The Boy Scouts will decorate graves, the National Anthem will be led by Barbra Medlock and the Ladies Auxiliary. The Invocation will be by Chaplain Richard LaBrash and everyone will be welcomed by Commander Dennis Charland. Glenda Wofford will place a wreath, Katelyn Schwartz, Miss Salem 2018, will present We Remember, Sheri Stack will sing America the Beautiful and Bill Stack will be the guest speaker. Closing remarks will be by Commander
Charland. The ceremonies will end with a benediction, rifle salute and the playing of Taps. Lunch will be served at the post following the ceremonies.

Saturday the renovated Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool in the Salem City Park will re-open to the public at noon. The pool will be open from noon to 7:00 in the evening Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 to 6:00 on Sunday. The pool has been changed significantly even though the initial footprint of the pool has not been altered all that much. The pool now offers a zero depth entry with plenty of new features including a dual gator aqua slide, Felipe Frog Aqua Spout, Billy Box Turtle Aqua Spout, a Pools and Fall Play Center, three bubblers, two aqua arches and two jet ways. In the middle section of the pool, there is a new adjustable water basketball goal, a two flume water slide and a brand new feature that only the Salem pool has called an Aqua Zip’N. In the deep end is a one meter diving board and a 16-foot rock climbing wall. All new stainless steel gutters were installed on the pool with a “cool” to the touch grate. Those who are physically challenged will find two ADA lift chairs and a 40-foot walking assist entry into the pool from the zero-depth entry. Four huge “funbrellas” will provide some welcome shade to the area and new loungers have also been purchased to enjoy those who want to be in the sun. The pool house has been renovated and now has an ADA family changing room, a new roof with lighting, new entry way, has been repainted on the inside and out with a traction paint put on the floor. The concession stand will also have two serving windows for those in or out of the pool who would like to sample the new healthy menu that will be served this year.