Local News

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.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Monday at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Randy League from the Midwest Blue Oval Club requested to the use the courthouse lawn and courthouse square for the upcoming Current River Blue Oval Rally to be held on September 8th and the commissioners approved. They also heard from John McIntyre from the Adams Subdivision who wanted to thank the commission for starting the ditch work on the roads in the subdivision. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported to the commissioners the disbursements from the School Savings Account that is funded by penalties, fines and forfeitures. Those funds are reported to DESE by the clerks’ office upon disbursement which this year totaled $82,594.83 for Salem R-80, $12,298.42 for Oak Hill R-1, $21,742.77 for Green Forest R-2, $26,758.98 for Dent-Phelps R-3, $22,209.76 for Northwood R-4, $3,027.05 for Iron County C-4 and $4,341.64 for Bunker R-3 School District. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading was going to be done on Dent County Road 5690 and crews will also be replacing five driveway culverts and adding materials on Dent County Road 4170. He said he would be attending a South Central Community Action Agency meeting today in Winona. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2070, 2075, 2510, 2530 and 4300. He also said brush would be cut on county road 2300 in preparation for the Summer Festival at The Commons, and materials would be added to county road 2630. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday and reported one bridge is now finished on Route F and the Dry Creek bridge is now closed to be replaced near Green Forest R-2. He also said MoDOT engineer Preston Cramer said the Highway 32 resurface with microseal has some rough areas that the contractor is going to have to repair. At the MRPC Board meeting, Skiles said the board approved the budget and the new dues structure for the next year for the cities and counties in the district. Skiles also said a webinar on the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program will be held on Monday, June 25th at 2:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting for the August Primary would begin June 26th and the last day to register will be July 11th. 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 Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Friday, June 8th, deputies investigated a domestic assault that had occurred the previous day. After the investigation, a 39-year old Licking man was arrested for Domestic Assault in the 3rd Degree and Harassment in the 1st Degree. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, June 11th, deputies were tasked with investigating a report of checks being forged. It was reported that several checks were forged and used at three local businesses. This report is still under investigation. Later that same day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 6690. The driver, a 32-year old Salem woman, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. She was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Tuesday, June 12th, deputies assisted the Missouri State Highway Patrol with a safety check at the intersection of Highway C and Highway H in enox. During the check, a 54-year old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked, possession of marijuana, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Wednesday, June 13th, deputies received a report for a theft from a residence in the 2000 block of Highway 19 North. It was reported that a ring had been taken from inside their house. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday, June 14th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County 4170. The driver, a 30-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license suspended. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

An accident happened Sunday morning at 11:34 in Phelps County on Phelps County Road 3120 just to the east of Phelps County Road 3110. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 1978 Honda Express, driven by 62-year old David Hilman of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway, then retuned to the roadway and overturned. The report stated that Hilman was not wearing a safety device at the time of the accident. He suffered moderate injuries and was transported by St. James ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The Honda was totaled and removed from the scene by the owner.

An accident happened Monday morning at 11:50 in Phelps County on Route M about 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’s Towing.

Saturday night in downtown Salem, 4th Street was full of people at this year’s “Moonlight Madness” to hear featured singer, Mo Pitney. He did not let the crown down playing a number of songs from his new album, classics from Merle Haggard, Roger Miller and Keith Whitley as well as songs from his current album including his top ten single, “Country.” The day was full of music from a number of talented acts and a number of vendors lined 4th Street selling everything from kettle corn to ice cream, pulled pork, lit balloons and more. Congratulations to the Dent County Music Association for a fine lineup at this year’s event!

A St. James man, 44-year old Leaman George Crews, III, surrendered Friday morning in federal court to an indictment charging him with five counts of wire fraud in connection with his scheme to defraud Brewer Science Incorporated of Rolla, Missouri who employed him. The indictment alleges that between May 2nd, 2008 and August 11th, 2017, Crews was employed as the Director of Information Systems for Brewer Science. He was given a Brewer Science credit card to order software equipment on behalf of the company. Instead of purchasing software and computer equipment for the company, Crews used the credit card to fund over one thousand wire transfers to various PayPal and bank accounts. Crews ultimately used the funds for personal expenditures unrelated to the legitimate BSI business, including cash withdrawals and personal credit card purchases. The total amount of loss is approximately $1,851,520. If convicted, Crews faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000 or both on each count. Restitution to the victim is also mandatory. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges. To help vindicate the interests of the victim, the government has also sought forfeiture of real estate Crews purchased with the proceeds of his crime and a money judgment for all of money stolen in favor of the United States. This case was investigated by the Rolla division of the FBI. Lindsay McClure-Hartman is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes the assistance of Brewer Science in preparing the case. The charges set forth in an indictment are only accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Salem Board of Alderman will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 at the City Hall Council Chambers following a Utility Committee meeting that begins at 6:00 in the council chambers. At the Utility Committee meeting, the committee will review the utility financials to date before discussing the anticipated utility expenses for the 2018-2019 year and any needed rate adjustments to cover those expenses. At the Board of Alderman meeting, Randy League from the Current River Blue Oval Rally will be in to ask for the street closure around the courthouse for their annual event to be held September 8th. The board will then hear bids for a new copier with a five-year lease before going over the consent agenda. In unfinished business, the board will hear a report from the Planning and Zoning Commission from their June 4th meeting that was not reported to the board. This was concerning the subdivision of 400, 402, 500 and 502 North Water Street. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report that will include an update from Phillip Karr from the City Auditorium Committee who will request approval to repair the fixed seating in the auditorium. Alderman Chad Heithold, chairman of the Utility Committee, will also give a report from the meeting held before the alderman meeting. Mayor Brad Nash will follow with his report. In the introduction and reading of bills, the board will hear Bill #3390 to create an ordinance to annex into the city limits the Al Brown Fields. The board will also approve the annual submission of trailer court licenses before the meeting is adjourned. The Utility Committee meeting and the Board of Aldermen meeting are both open to the public.

The replacement of the Route F bridge over Holt Creek southwest of Salem in Dent County is complete. The bridge and road opened on Thursday, June 14th. While that bridge south of Highway 32 has now been opened, the Route F bridge over Dry Fork is now closed, for a similar replacement. That bridge, located north of Route E, will remain closed until early September, with detours set up to guide motorists around the work area. MoDOT appreciates the patience of motorists during the road closure. For more information about these projects or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their June meeting Tuesday night in the hospital library beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda, will be the approval of the minutes from the May 22nd meeting. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will present the summary of operations and statistics, plus discuss the hospital foundation and give an update on the auxiliary and community marketing. In old business the Board will address a finance committee meeting report. During new business the Board will address purchases made for the hospital and the election of officers scheduled for the July meeting. The regular June meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams came in to have the commissioners sign off on the second of four transfers from the Senior Citizens Fund to the Salem Nutrition Site of $13,750 and to the SMTS Bus service for $6,750. The commissioners signed off on the budgeted transfer. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2470, 5610, 5620, 5680, 5690 and 6410. He went on to say that materials would be added and brush would be cut on county road 6660. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3250, 4330 and 4370. He also stated materials would be added and brush would be cut on county road 2630. Larson went on to say a man would be doing chip and seal repair on county roads 3260 and 3280. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended an Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management Full Council meeting on Tuesday and they elected new officers: Brady Wilson was re-elected chairman from Rolla Recycling, Skiles was elected vice-chairman and Jay Whitaker from Phelps County was elected secretary. Skiles went on to report that recycling grant applications are now available and they will be due on August 24th at noon. He said a grant workshop would be held on July 26th. If persons would be interested in the getting a recycling grant application, please contact Jill Hollowell at 265-2993. Skiles stated they also have a new camera for cities and counties that can be used to help detect vehicles at illegal dumpsites by reading their license plates. Skiles on Thursday attended a Meramec Community Enhancement Corporation meeting followed by a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting and the MRPC regular board meeting. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the last day to register for the August Primary will be July 11th. She also presented to the commission Resolution #1-2018 that established the procedures to disclose conflicts of interest and substantial interest for the candidates for certain offices. This has to be signed every two years and the commission signed the resolution. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will host a special meeting this morning at 9:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers at 202 North Washington Street to discuss medical plan options for city employees and select an option for the next fiscal year effective July 1st, 2018. The meeting, called by Mayor Brad Nash, is open to the public.

A Summer Art Party will be held Friday night at the Creative Arts Center from 6:30 to 8:30. This time of year, we are thinking about vacations, relaxation, and sunshine. How better to prepare than to take a relaxing evening to have fun painting. For $25 per person, all supplies are provided including the acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas, easel for this fun event! Led by Tana Kettner, professional artist and art teacher, you will be guided through the process of painting a summertime picture and then put your own special creative spin to it to take home. This event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Reservations can be made by contacting the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (729-0029) or the Salem Area Arts Council (247-0279) and arranging to pay your registration to secure your spot! Bring your own personal style, your favorite bottle of wine or other beverage, and let us do the rest

The Missouri Department of Conservation offers nearly 1,000 conservation areas around the state for public use through wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, and more. The MDC is developing a mobile application for the public to easily find conservation areas and outdoor recreation activities near them and wants public input on three potential names for the new app: MO Explore, MO Nature, and MO Outdoors. The winner from the public vote will become the new mobile app’s name when it goes live later this summer. The new mobile app will allow the public to enter a location or use a device’s GPS feature to locate the closest conservation areas. Results will include full details about the areas and directions. Users can also use search and filter functions to narrow search results to see what recreational activities and outdoor features are available at the areas. Cast your vote at mdc.mo.gov and click on the voting tab.

The public comment period is open on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). A draft of the 2019-2023 Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program that builds on MoDOT’s long-range transportation plan, financial forecast, asset management plan and the prioritization of project needs at the local level by planning partners has been presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Transportation Planning Director Machelle Watkins told commissioners the draft STIP includes 1,319 projects, which for the most part will maintain the system in the condition it is in today. On average, this STIP annually invests in 586 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,065 miles of major route pavements, 2,754 miles of minor route pavements and 172 bridges. According to MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna, community input is critically important to the process of prioritizing local needs and putting the STIP together. The STIP represents MoDOT’s commitment to Missourians of the projects that will be developed and delivered over the next five years. To make a comment, go online to www.modot.org.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History presents the “Great American Campout Challenge” this Friday starting at 6:30 p.m. The challenge will be hosted by Janet Price, a naturalist of Moonshadow Moments, LLC, formerly of Johnson’s Shut-Ins. Everyone from seasoned campers to newbies are welcome to attend and will have fun with this challenge! This program is appropriate for all ages and is especially family-friendly. The cost is $1.00 per person or $5.00/family, regardless of the number, which includes a light snack. Phone reservations are requested to plan for snacks and activities. Please call the Bonebrake Center at 729.3400 for more information or register. The Bonebrake Center is located at 601 North Hickory Street in Salem, at the corner of North Hickory Street and East Rolla Road.

New Medicare cards are on their way to everyone enrolled in the program. Cards will be mailed automatically and free of charge. People should be wary of anyone calling to offer assistance with the cards or to request money or personal information. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for your Social Security number or bank information, Procter says to hang up. Scammers may even threaten to cancel your benefits if you don’t give up information but Medicare will never ask for your Social Security number or bank information. The new cards are intended to provide more privacy protection than the old cards, which used Social Security numbers as identifiers. The mailings, which began in April, are coming in waves. Missouri’s cards are due to be mailed after June 2018, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS offers a few tips and things to know about the new cards: You can and should destroy your old card when the new one arrives. You can start using your new card immediately. If you are using a Medicare Advantage plan, the card for that plan is still your main Medicare card, so you need to keep it and be ready to show it to providers. They may also ask you to show the new card. If someone asks you for your information or money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call Medicare toll-free at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). If you suspect identity theft or worry that you gave your personal information to someone you shouldn’t have, contact the Federal Trade Commission toll-free at 877-438-4338. For more information about the new Medicare cards, visit medicare.gov/newcard.

According to State Auditor Nicole Galloway, former Viburnum City Clerk Dana Mayberry has pled guilty to receiving stolen property, a Class B Felony. In a statement she released on her plea, “Officials that violate the public’s trust and use their position to enrich themselves must be held accountable” Galloway stated she was grateful for law enforcement and Iron County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Parker for working with her to seek justice for taxpayers in Viburnum. Auditor Galloway released the results of the city of Viburnum audit report last year. The audit identified more than $100,000 in fraudulent activities over a number of years. She promises to keep trying to get the legislature to finally pass legislation that would provide law enforcement with the tools they need to more swiftly combat fraud and public corruption.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a death in his immediate family. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated the southern half of Dent County received about an inch of rain Friday night and another 1 ¾ inches Saturday. Although there was minimal additional damages to the roads, crews were out repairing the washouts as needed. Purcell said materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2460, 2490 and 5015. He also said just grading would be done on county roads 4225 and 5650 while brush was going to be cut on county road 6670. Sam Gorman, Road Supervisor for District 2, gave the report for the district and said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2313, 2580, 2610, 2613, 4410 and 6160. He went on to say materials were going to be added to county roads 2630 and 2640. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles indicated he would be attending the Ozark River Solid Waste Management full council meeting today. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales taxes receipt numbers that came in this month. For the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, monies received were $88,056.27 which is more than $10,000 over the June 2017 figure, and brings the year-to-date increase up to $66,624.52 over last year. That is an increase in sales tax revenue of 16.2% over 2017 in those funds. The Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund received $39,443.27 which is about $4,250 more than the 2017 June figure of $35,180.93. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund is up $23,228.98 over 2017 and that comes to an increase of about 12.25%. The two jail funds each received in June $78,561.31 in sales tax money. 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 Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, June 3rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 West. The driver, a 35-year old Salem woman, was arrested on several warrants and as well as driving without having a valid license. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, June 4th, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 3190 for a report of property damage. It was reported that an Intercounty Electric box had been shot with a firearm. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday, June 7th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 400 block of Dent County Road 4220 to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The 40-year old Salem man was located and arrested. A consent to search his bedroom was granted and a Suboxone strip and red straw that had residue on it field tested positive for methamphetamine were found. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation should contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Route KK about 4.5 miles east of St. James Sunday afternoon at 3:36. According to the highway patrol report, 29-year old Tracey Earls of Cuba was driving a 2005 Chevy Impala westbound when she crossed the centerline and struck a 2013 Kubota Tractor also driven westbound by 46-year old Michael Ripplemeyer of St. James causing the tractor to overturn. The Chevy traveled off the right side of the roadway. Ripplemeyer suffered serious injuries and was flown to the Mercy Creve Coeur Hospital via Phelps Air Ambulance. Earls suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical by the North Crawford County Ambulance. The Chevy and the Kubota both had extensive damages and were towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

Echo Bluff State Park invites the public to an informational meeting at 4:00 this Saturday afternoon at the park’s Betty Lea Lodge. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. Park staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence. For more information about the meeting or about other events at the park, call 573-751-5211.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday morning, June 1st, at 1:47 a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-year old male of Harviell, Missouri for driving while being drugged. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that morning at approximately 8:42, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of South Macarthur in reference to trespassing. The investigation of the report revealed that a 40-year old male of Salem had entered upon a property he had been previously instructed not to enter upon. The suspect was taken into custody for trespassing, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. On Monday night, June 4th, close to 10:35, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft from a residence in the 700 block of East Jack. That investigation revealed a male suspect and a female suspect took items from a residence valued at $550.00. The report is under investigation. Then Tuesday night, June 5th, at about 11:41 a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 54-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday morning, June 6th, at approximately 4:14, an officer was conducting a narcotics investigation near the 1000 block of West Coffman. During the investigation a 25- year old male of Salem was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was taken into custody, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:25 an officer was contacted in reference to a burglary and theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 900 block of South Oak and took items valued at $882.00. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Missouri farmers are being asked to respond to a land rent survey, says University of Missouri Extension economist Ray Massey. A report compiled from the anonymous survey responses will help landowners and renters make better decisions about lease rates. The survey is issued only in electronic form this year. It takes about five minutes to complete. Massey says he hopes that the new delivery method will encourage landowners and renters to respond. The survey covers criteria such as cash rent cost for cropland, pasture land and fee hunting property, as well as location of land, average yield and storage facilities. MU and partner agencies, including Missouri Farm Bureau, FCS Financial and others, work together to obtain information that helps economists on the local, state and federal level to assess supply and demand for land, as well as production costs and market prices. Survey results also help landowners and renters understand market values in their area. MU conducts the survey every three years and releases a summary online and at its annual ag lending schools. If you did not receive a survey and would like to participate, contact Massey at masseyr@missouri.edu or 573-884-7788.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 11:13 in Dent County on Highway 72 at Dent County Road 3200. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 GMC Sierra driven north bound by 39-year old Derek Flowers of Vienna, struck the back side of a 2005 Chevy Cobalt driven north by 18-year old Kadi Cossins of Salem. Cossins suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem memorial District Hospital. Cossins and Flowers were each wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Sierra sustained extensive damage while the Chevy was totaled. The Chevy was removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire while the Sierra was secured at the scene. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Fire Protection District and the Salem Ambulance District.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released her office’s regularly scheduled audit of the government of Reynolds County, located in southeast Missouri. The audit, which received an overall rating of good, found several repeat findings from previous audits. The report made recommendations to improve procedures in the Sheriff’s office, including ensuring appropriate oversight of financial transactions. As noted in previous audits, the Sheriff’s office does not issue receipts for bond money received and maintains a bank account outside of the county treasury. Additional repeat findings in the report included needed improvements to controls and procedures over the property tax system and a failure to obtain competitive bids for legal and appraisal services. To see the audit, visit www.auditor.mo.gov and click on the recent news item about Reynolds County.

Thursday, the South Central Drug Task Force and the Dent County Sheriff’s Office concluded a short term narcotics investigation in the 600 block of East Gibbs in Salem. A search warrant was served at a residence in connection with the investigation. As a result of the search warrant officers located and seized suspected methamphetamine packaged for sales and drug paraphernalia. Arrested in connection with the items seized were 51-year old Carla A. Loughridge of Salem and 63-year old Stephen E. Cochran of Salem. They were incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending warrant applications. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Salem Police Department assisted with the incident. The charges for which Loughridge and Cochran were arrested are only accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. Jan Gott from Country Mart
Pharmacy, Sherman Odom from Vandivort Drug, and Kendra Mobray, Administrator of the Dent County Health Center, were all in concerning the proposed Dent County Ordinance to join the St. Louis County Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PCMP). Questions were posed concerning costs, enforcement, and penalties. It was noted that the grant for the program from the Department of Justice is a two-year grant ending in May of 2019. After lengthy discussion, the Commissioners voted 3-0 to postpone adopting an ordinance until more information is obtained. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5100, 5103 and 5105, plus grading only would be done on county roads 5590 and 5615. He added that he had an operator cleaning flood debris from the bridge on Dent County Road 6080. Purcell went on to say that his crews were also cleaning debris from culverts on Dent County Roads 5105, 6200 and 5030. He said the County’s maintenance program of cleaning culverts and ditches has been beneficial in reducing roadway damages during times of excessive rainfall. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2185, 5320 and 5325, while materials would be added and grading would be done on county roads 2180, 2183 and 4060. He also noted that he had a man cutting limbs on Dent County Road 3230. Deputy Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington reported the Clerk’s office balanced with the County Treasurer on all accounts for the month of May and that she was working on verification of signatures on the medical marijuana petition. The next regular meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A special waste collection for electronics, appliances and tires will be held from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 9th in the parking lot of Brewer Science at 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. Fees on certain items will be collected. There will be a fee of $25 collected for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with freon. Fees for tires are $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. Program participants are required to unload the items themselves. The collection is open to any households in the Ozark Rivers District. For more information on what is and is not accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109.

On Tuesday afternoon at about 3:00, a train collision in a remote canyon outside of Truxton, Arizona, left a Salem man with significant injuries. A freight train belong to BNSF Railway collided with maintenance equipment belonging to Herzog Railroad Services, Inc being pushed by the other train as the equipment had been derailed. A man from Lenexa, KS was killed and 26-year old Matthew Thompson of Salem, Missouri sustained significant injuries. He was airlifted from the scene and taken to the University Medical Center in Southern Nevada where he was listed in stable condition. Thompson was an employee of Herzog Railroad Services. All the occupants in the BNSF train were accounted for and no other injuries were reported.

Highway 106 in Reynolds and Shannon Counties will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews seal the roadway with a mixture of rock and oil. This section of roadway is located from Highway 21 to Route H. Weather permitting, this work will take place starting on Monday and lasting through Thursday, June 14th from 7:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon daily. Fore more information, log onto to www.modot.org or call 1-888 275 6636.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of June, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting an impaired driving enforcement patrol in Dent County. Troopers assigned to these special enforcement operations will patrol those highways where in the past a higher number of alcohol-related arrests and traffic crashes have occurred.
Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report highway emergencies and serious traffic offenses to the nearest troop headquarters by dialing *55 on a cellular telephone.

A number of reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 27th, at about 3:02, an officer was dispatched to Country Mart in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 37-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 28-year old male of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for assault, property damage and disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:22, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft from a storage unit. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took items valued at $332.00 from a storage unit located at 404 East Second Street. The report is under investigation. At about 1:35 Tuesday afternoon, May 29th, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 East in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of an intoxicated 36-year old female of Salem for disorderly conduct, assaulting a law enforcement officer, plus the suspect had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. On Wednesday, May 30th, at approximately 9:00 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection. The investigation of the report revealed that a 40-year old male of Salem had violated an order of protection. The report is still under investigation. That evening at about 10:51, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak Street in reference to a disturbance. That investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem and another from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 4:55 on Interstate 44 near Route WW in Franklin County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Ford F-250 driven westbound by 37-year old Laura Picker of St. James, had a tire blowout and the pickup truck veered to left and went off the roadway, strking the median cable. The truck continuing going west along the cable struck a median guardrail. Picker suffered serious injuries and was taken by the Sullivan EMS to the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. A passenger, 17-year old Cacie-Sophia Bedrosian of St. James, suffered moderate injuries and was also taken by the Sullivan EMS to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. Picker and Bedrosian were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

Tonight at the Creative Arts Center from 7:00 to 9:00, adults can learn about knot-tying in a workshop led by an “old sailor,” Wayne Douglass. The cost of the workshop is $25.00 and all the supplies are provided including the rope and instruction. You will be guided through the process of making a lanyard and even get directions to take home a monkey fist! You do not need to have any experience or talent to try knot tying, just the spirit to learn! Reservations can be made by calling the ONCRC at 729-0029 or Salem Area Arts Council at 247-0279 to arrange payment and secure your spot.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station. The meeting was called to order and the roll call taken with one member absent. The financial report included bills received and approved along with the budget reviewed and as of the end of May the district had a balance in the general revenue of $186,751.55. On the calendar for June, the department will be at William Lynch for the last day of school, participate in NARCON training as well as training on vehicle fire fighting. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 18 for the month of May including 4 structure fires, 2 brush fires, 3 car fires, 1 landing zone, 4 first responder, 2 vehicle accidents. There has been 149 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $120.82. In old business, the department is working on first responder certifications and Engine 85 is repaired with the total cost being $13,065.98. The Board set July 3rd at 6:00for the next meeting of the board at the Dent County Fire station at #2 South Main Street and is open to the public. The meeting was the adjourned.