Local News

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On July 11th at approximately 9:00 in the evening, an officer transported a male and a female, both 42-years-old of Salem from the Crawford County Jail to the Dent County Jail due to active arrest warrants from the City of Salem. The next morning at about 9:54, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Forest Hill Drive in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took two kayak’s and life jackets valued at $1,090.00 from a residence. The report is under investigation. Later that same evening near 7:23, an officer located a 34-year-old male of Licking at the Salem Bowling Alley who had an active arrest warrant from Texas County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. On Sunday, July 14th at almost 6:00 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Jackson in reference to a fight in progress. That investigation revealed a 29-year-old male of Salem had damaged the siding on a house valued at $85.00. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Judging at the Expo concluded late Friday afternoon with the Beef Show, which started at 2:30. Chase Simpson exhibited the Champion Angus Heifer, Kallen Garrison showed the Champion Charolais Heifer, while Kaden Garrison exhibited the Reserve Champion. Brady Schafer showed the Champion Crossbred Heifer and the Reserve Champion was shown by Makena Faulkner. Supreme Champion Heifer award went to Kallen Garrison and Kaden Garrison won the Reserve Supreme Champion. Champion Hereford Bull was shown by Ray Cunningham and Kaden Garrison exhibited the Champion Charolais Bull. Supreme Champion Bull was won by Kaden Garrison, while Ray Cunningham had the Reserve Grand Champion. In the Dairy Cattle Show Kennedy Chapman exhibited the Champion and Reserve Champion Jersey Cows. During the Market Steer Show Class 1 winner was Ross Dunlap’s 1110 pound steer, Class 2 was won by Tyffany Lucerne with a 1155 pound steer and Class 3 was won by Ray Cunningham’s 1210 pound calf. Class 4 winner was John Cunningham’s 1255 pounder, Class 5 was won by Clayton Headrick’s 1335 pound calf, Class 6 was won by Bryce Mobray with a 1355 pound steer and Class 7 winner was Kash Howard’s 1425 pound calf. Ray Cunningham’s steer won the Grand Champion trophy and John Cunningham took home the Reserve Champion award. A lightweight steer class was won by Trenton Ragsdale. Senior Showmanship honors went to Carrie Holliday, while Kaden Garrison won the Intermediate Division and Kallen Garrison took home the trophy in the Junior Division.

The Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) elected new officers for fiscal year 2019-2020. Phelps County Presiding Commissioner Randy Verkamp will serve as chairman, while Maries County Presiding Commission Vic Stratman will serve as vice-chairman, and Crawford County Presiding Commissioner Leo Sanders will be secretary. Phelps County PHA is an equal opportunity housing agency that offers HUD’s housing choice voucher rental assistance to very low-income families in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps (outside the city of Rolla) and Washington counties. Region, are served by other housing agencies. The PHA serves about 725 families each month; about 75 of those participate in the FSS program. The Phelps County PHA board consists of the presiding commissioners in the six participating counties and one resident advisory board member. The PHA contracts with the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) to operate and staff the program. The PHA is located at 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, the same building as MRPC. For persons needing housing assistance, the PHA accepts applications every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its St. James office. For more information, call 573-265-4200 or visit the Phelps County PHA under programs and services on MRPC’s website (www.meramecregion.org).

The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold formal evidentiary hearings starting today in a natural gas rate case filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri. Formal evidentiary hearings will be held today and tomorrow and July 29th through August 2nd in Room 310 of the Governor Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Missouri. These hearings will be held in a building that meets accessibility standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. On December 3rd, 2018, Ameren Missouri filed a natural gas rate case with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to increase annual natural gas revenues by approximately $4.26 million. According to Ameren Missouri’s filing, the average annual change in natural gas rates for residential customers will be approximately $26 a year. Ameren Missouri provides natural gas service to approximately 131,000 customers in 25 Missouri counties including Dent, Phelps and Gasconade counties.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday evening at the district administrative offices. At the meeting, Superintendent John McColloch announced the Open House dates and times for all the schools. The Open House for William Lynch Elementary will be on Monday, August 12th from 5:30-6:30, the Upper Elementary on Monday, August 12th from 6:30-7:30, the Middle School on Tuesday, August 13th from 6:00-7:30 and at the High School on Tuesday, August 13th from 4:30-6:00. McColloch gave the Board an update on the campus. The custodians are making great progress on the floors at all the buildings and everything should be done in plenty of time for the start of school. He also discussed some drainage work being completed in front of the Vo-Ag building and between the band room and tin gym. He went to report some electrical work was also done at the Vo-Ag building. The board then approved numerous product bids for the 2019-2020 school year including milk from Hiland Dairy, bread from Country Mart, food and other supplies from US Foods, fuel from MFA, and the pest control bid from Integrity Pest Solutions. The board approved setting the tax rate hearing for August 15th at 5:55 in then afternoon to be followed by the regular August Board meeting, approved the the 2019-2020 Professional Development Plan, and approves a 2019-2020 budget revision of $34,940.55 to cover the district’s cost of having the school resource officer on campus for the 2018-2019 school year. The board heard a letter of resignation from Jillian Doddema, a high school counselor. The resignation was not accepted due to a lack of a motion. The board then went into closed session where they employed Karen Pace to instruct high school math and also discussed a personnel issue before they went back into open session and adjourned the meeting.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of June. The Salem Police issued 2 equipment repair orders, 10 summonses to appear in court, 2 warning tickets, and 6 traffic tickets, plus they also served 3 city warrants and five fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated 6 traffic accidents, two burglaries, made one death investigation, and a lost or stolen license plate. They also wrote one missing person report, 2 property damage reports, one stealing report, and 4 trespassing reports. The department investigated five reports of driving while having a license revoked and suspended, three possessions of a controlled substance reports, two possessions of drug paraphernalia reports. The department was also dispatched for 45 animal calls, 29 ambulance assist calls, 40 well being checks, 11 requests for information, and performed 46 traffic stops for the month. The department received 970 calls during the month of June and 80 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 9,357 miles during the month of June and spent 8 hours in court testifying and 10 hours as court bailiff. There were 17 males and seven females arrested in June.

Friday afternoon’s 4-H and FFA Expo livestock judging started with the 1:00 Sheep and Goat Show where Judge Distler selected Stetson Mobray’s 117 pound lamb as Class 1 winner, Preslie Strader’s 137 pounder as Class 2 winner and tapped Londyn Cook’s 155 pound lamb as winner of Class 3 winner. Strader’s market lamb was awarded the Grand Champion, while Cook’s lamb was the Reserve Champion. Cody Lundy exhibited a 68 pound lightweight lamb. Strader also exhibited the Champion and Reserve Champion Crossbred Ewes, while Tyffany Lucerne showed the Champion Suffolk Ewe. Supreme Grand Champion Ewe of the show was won by Strader’s Ewe and Lucerne’s was named Reserve Grand Champion. Wyatt Lundy and Preslie Strader exhibited class winning Crossbred Rams. Champion Crossbred Ram was won by Strader and Cole Elliott’s Crossbred Ram was named Reserve Champion. Strader’s Ram was named Supreme Champion, while Lundy’s was the Reserve Grand Champion winner. Market Goat classes were won by Charlton Lerma’s 68 pounder and Kallen Garrison’s that weighed 91 pounds. Champion Market Goat went to Kallen Garrison’s with Kaden Garrison’s 82 pound goat winning Reserve Champion. Sheep Showmanship went to Senior Shaylee Harrison, Intermediate to Isaac White and Junior to Preslie Strader. Goat Showmanship Intermediate division was won by Charlton Lerma and the Junior division winner was Brady Schafer.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 10:27 in Phelps County on Route F about two and a half miles southeast of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a southbound 2000 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driven by 17-year-old Kyle Middleton of Rolla, failed to yield to a westbound 1994 Western Star Dump Truck driven by 74-year-old Stanley Parsons of Edgar Springs. As a result, the dump truck struck the Chevrolet. A passenger in the Silverado, 17- year-old Griffin Bowen of Rolla, suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health. Middleton suffered minor injuries as well, but sought his own medical treatment. The report stated that Parsons and Middleton were wearing seat restraints at the time or the accident, but it was unknown if Griffin was. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The Western Star sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by Big Boy’s Towing.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the Dent County Courthouse. Terry Cunningham was in attendance representing the LAD Foundation and wanted to let the Commission know that they are in support of the ban of not allowing hunters to shoot feral hogs in the Mark Twain National Forest. He said the ban would create a collaborative effort with the National Forest and Missouri Department of Conservation to trap the feral hogs. He said the Pioneer Forest and LAD Foundation have six of their own traps and over the years have killed over 200 feral hogs without the use of hunters. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that everyone here is on the same side in the attempt to eradicate the hogs. He read the letter the commission is sending to the Forest Supervisor of the Mark Twain National Forest that states the Dent County Commission opposes the ban of hunting feral hogs on the national forest land “without provisions allowing landowners adjoining the National Forest to take whatever measures necessary, including hunting and shooting feral hogs that are destroying their property.” Skiles states in the letter that the commissioners commend the efforts of the state and federal agencies in working toward a goal of eradicating feral hogs. They also need to somehow include in this effort the individual landowner adjacent to that property. Cunningham acknowledged that is a concern of which there is no easy solution and thanked the commission for allowing him to speak at the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said his district received over 4.5 inches of rain Sunday night into Monday and crews would be out checking roads for washouts, do patch grading where needed and look for downed trees and limbs. He mentioned brush would be cut on county road 4080 and a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal road repairs. Purcell also reported that shipments of trap rock for the chip and seal overlay continues to be stockpiled at the shop. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated his crews would also be out checking for washouts in his district as well. He said two men would be hauling and stockpiling rock and another crew would be putting in new bearings in the brush cutter. Commissioner Skiles said he would be attending a CCAM board meeting Wednesday where they will start planning for the commissioner’ annual training that occurs in February. Collector Shannon VanKirk brought in the real estate and personal property tax collection agreement with the City of Salem that pays the county $12,000 and the collector $5,500 each year for their services. The contract was retroactive to the first Monday in March and will expire on February 28th, 2023 which coincides with the term of the county collector. All the commissioners, the collector, clerk and treasurer signed the agreement. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The 2019 4-H and FFA Expo kicked off early Friday morning at 7:00 with the hog show with seven classes of market hogs. Class 1 winner was Bailey Martin with a 238 pound barrow, class 2 winner was Katarina Morris with a 240 pound hog and class 3 was won by Preslie Strader’s 258 pound hog. Class 4 was won by Isaac Westerman with a 266 pound hog, Class 5 winner was Bryce Martin’s hog, Class 6 winner was Wyatt Martin with a 300 pound hog and Class 7 was won by Riley Case with a 315 pound hog. Judge Abby Distler from Russellville, Missouri selected Preslie Strader’s hog as Grand Champion and Bailey Martin’s as Reserve Champion. A lightweight class of market hogs was won by Alexis Black with a 203 pound pig. Breeding class gilt winners were Nathan Williams, Kennedy Major, Corbett Ball and Wyatt Martin. Martin’s Gilt won Champion Crossbred and Champion Commercial Gilt, while Corbett Ball’s gilt won both the Reserve Champion Crossbred and Reserve Champion Commercial Gilt. Judge Distler selected Bailey Martin as Senior Showmanship Champion, Landon Cook as Intermediate Showman and Wyatt Dunlap was tapped as the Junior Showmanship winner.

The morning judging at the Expo on Friday wound down with the small animal show, which started at 11:00. Judge Brad Buttram from Hollister, Missouri selected Isaac White’s Market Meat Chicken Pen as Grand Champion and Aaron White’s as Reserve. Grand Champion Market Meat Rabbit Pen went to Zeph Kunkel and Connor Montoya won Reserve Champion. Both Champion Buck Rabbit and Champion Doe Rabbit went to Alexis Rogers. Rogers also won Champion Cockerel, while Colton Lerma had the Reserve Champion. Colton Lerma also exhibited the Champion Pullet and the Reserve went to Caleb Lerma. Champion Poultry Pair went to Colter Lerma and Caleb Lerma won Reserve. Poultry Showmanship winners selected were Caleb Lerma in the senior division, Alexis Rogers as intermediate and Aaron White as Junior showman. Rabbit Showmanship awards went to Intermediate Alexis Rogers and Junior Charlee Duncan.

An accident occurred Friday evening at 6:05 in Texas County on Route AT about five miles northwest of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Dodge Ram Pickup driven by 60-year old Ronald Thomas of Licking was traveling southbound when the Dodge struck a horse drawn buggy. The horse drawn buggy was driven by 39-year old Mattie Nunschwander of Licking and was traveling northbound when the buggy was hit. Nunschwander suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Ambulance to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. The other occupants of the buggy: six-year old Sam Nunschwander and four-year old Jonas Nunschwander each suffered serious injuries and were transported to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital by Air Ambulance. The horse drawn buggy was totaled and removed from the scene by owner. The Nunschwanders are exempt from wearing any type of seat restraints in the horse drawn buggy. The Dodge sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by owner. The highway patrol was assisted by Cpl. T.R. Nelson, Officer Goodwin and Officer Algire of Licking.

An accident occurred Saturday morning at 6:30 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about three miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Ford escape driven by 32-year old Alicia Walker of Cook Station was traveling northbound when she fell asleep. The Ford traveled off the right side of the road and struck a Chevron sign and a tree. Walker was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. She suffered minor injuries and will seek medical treatment on her own. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Mile’s Towing.

The Salem and Dent County 4-H and FFA Livestock Auction was held this past Saturday at the Commons. A total of 118 animals as well as cured ham and bacon plus ribbons were auctioned off. This year there were three pens of rabbits, three pens of chickens, seven market goats, seven market lambs, 55 market hogs and 36 market steers. Also auctioned were two cured bacon, a cured ham as well as two junior heifer ribbons and two junior gilt ribbons. The auction set a new record with a total of $232,402.70. Top buyers at the auction this year were the Bank of Salem who purchased nine animals comprised of one goat, three hogs and five steers; Salem Livestock Auction who purchased eight animals broken down into one lamb, four hogs and three steers; Phil-Mart who purchased seven animals made up of a lamb, two hogs and four steers; Smith Valley Angus who bought five animals comprised of one lamb, two hogs and two steers; Interstate Regional Stockyards who purchased five animals and they consisted of one goat, one lamb, one hog, and two steers; Quality Machine and Fabrication who bought a total of five animals that were made up three hogs and two steers; and Steelman Abstract who bought five animals consisting of a pen of rabbits, two hogs and two steers. Numerous buyers this year purchased more than one animal or ribbon to help with the cause. There were 54 different buyers this year at the auction. The Salem FFA Chapter and all the Dent County 4-H Clubs thanks everyone who attended the auction this year.

There will be a Community Blood Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive this afternoon from 1:00 until 5:00 at US Foods at 502 South Carty Street in Salem. “O” negative and “A” positive blood levels are desperately low and if you have those blood types, please attempt to make it the blood drive today. Of course all blood types are needed! You must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and brig a picture ID to donate. You will also receive a green adventure T-Shirt for donating this summer!

The 4-H and FFA Expo is underway at The Commons on Highway 72 just north of Salem. Today will be a day filled with livestock judging starting early with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning followed by the Small Animal Show at 11:00. The afternoon judging will kick off at 1:00 with the Sheep and Goat Show followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:30. During the evening there will be a movie shown and popcorn will be served. The Expo tops off Saturday for the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors starting with the Market Sale Luncheon at 12:00 noon and the Market Sale at 1:00. Don’t forget to check out all the exciting 4-H exhibits in the Youth Building where it is air conditioned! There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome. Local vendors will be on hand to serve food and beverages for those attending the Expo. For additional information about the Expo contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that since Monday his district has received several inches of rain including 3 to 4 inches on Wednesday. He said there was a tree down on Dent County Road 2400 and his crew was removing it. Purcell also reported that his crews were out checking for washouts and limbs down. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that in his District there was also a tree down on Dent County Road 2400 and his crew was taking care of it. He noted that the Sligo and Boss areas were hit very hard. Larson said that Wednesda a man went to Springfield for a load of oil and they were repairing chip and seal. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone of the deadline at midnight, Tuesday July 23rd, to comment on the proposed ban on shooting feral hogs on Federal and State land. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to oppose the ban without provisions being included that would allow landowners with adjoining property to take whatever measures are necessary to address the feral hog problem on their properties and adjoining Federal and State land. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley and the Dent County Commissioners set for the tax rate hearing for August 12th at 10:00 in the morning. Financing bids for the lease/purchase of two new graders were opened and the low bid of 2.695% for five years was submitted by US Bank and it was approved by the Commissioners. Tammy Snodgrass and Kathryn Hawes with Meramec Regional Planning Commission were in to offer financial assistance with clean up of roadside dump sites. They noted that MRPC has obtained a grant, plus is in the process of applying for others, to assist counties within the region with cleanup efforts. Joe Blackwell and Marvin Putman were in with specific problems on roadways by their properties. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 10:15 in Phelps County on Highway 72 at County Road 4020. The report from the highway patrol states that a 2007 Dodge Caliber driven by 17-year old Cheyenne Howard of Rolla was traveling eastbound and was stopped to make a turn when she was struck from behind by a 2016 Nissan Rouge driven by 30-year old Laura Holtz of Salem. According to the report, Holtz was not wearing a safety device and was transported by EMS to Phelps Health in Rolla for the treatment of moderate injuries. Howard did not report any injuries. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident with the Nissan being removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing and the Dodge was removed by C & C Towing.

An accident happened Wednesday afternoon at 2:56 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about three and a half miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven by 44-year old Charles Schulze of Rolla, was traveling south on Highway 63 when the vehicle began sliding on the wet pavement and traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Schulze was transported by Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of minor injuries. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

An accident happened in Crawford County Tuesday night at 8:10 on Route Z about five miles southwest of Berryman that took the life of a woman from Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, 52-year old Kristy Crawford of Steelville was driving a 1996 Dodge 1500 southbound when the Dodge crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a tree, then went airborne before striking another tree, ejecting Crawford from the Dodge. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:33 by Crawford County Coroner Darren Dake. Crawford’s body was taken to the Hutson Funeral Home. The vehicle was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. Crawford was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On the morning of July 8th at about 11:08, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of South Jackson in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took two bicycles valued at $109.00 from the yard of the residence. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at about 2:10, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a 75-inch television set valued at $4,000.00 from a residence in the 600 block of South Sligo. The report is under investigation. On the evening of July 9th at about 6:02, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 50-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license suspended and also on a fugitive warrant from Texas County. The man was issued a summons to appear in court and was incarcerated pending extradition. On July 11th at approximately 3:06 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of the driver, a 33-year-old man from Steelville for driving while having his license revoked and for possession of drug paraphernalia. A passenger in the vehicle, an 18-year-old man from Salem was arrested for the possession of methamphetamine and the possession of drug paraphernalia. The two suspects were released pending the application for criminal summonses. If you have information about any ongoing investigations, please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

Time is running out for people to submit comments via email or through regular mail during the 60-day comment period to restrict the hunting of feral hogs in the Mark Twin National Forest. The comment period is now underway and all comments must be received or postmarked no later than July 23rd for consideration. For more information about the feral swine problem in the National Forest, and to view the proposed Forest Closure Order, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mtnf/feralswine. You can send your comments via email to SM.FS.MTFeralSwine@usda.gov or to the mailing address is at: Forest Supervisor; ATTN: Feral Swine Comment; Mark Twain National Forest; 401 Fairgrounds Road; Rolla, MO 65401. You can also call Jason Smith’s office in Rolla and let them know your feelings at 573-364-2455.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting tonight at 6:00. After approving the agenda, the board will from Superintendent John McCulloch who will announce the open house dates and times and give a facilities update. New business will include bids on milk, bread, food and supplies, fuel and pest control. The board will then set a tax rate hearing and set the date for the regular August board meeting. The board will also approve the 2019-2020 Professional Development plan and consider 2019-2020 budget revisions. The board will then adjourn and move into executive session. The regular meeting of the board of education is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri legislature and governor have taken actions to increase penalties for those caught poaching Missouri game animals and other native wildlife species. Missouri Governor Michael Parson signed HB260 into law July 11. Called the Poaching Bill, it significantly raises fines for those convicted of illegally taking Missouri game species and other native wildlife. HB260 was sponsored by Representative Jered Taylor (Republic) and Senator Mike Bernskoetter (Jefferson City). New fine amounts include $10,000-$15,000 for each elk or black bear killed illegally, $1,000-$5,000 for each whitetailed buck, $500-$1,000 for each wild turkey, and $500-$1,000 for each paddlefish.
The fines are considered restitution payments for poaching game animals and are ordered by a judge. Monies from the fines go to the state’s school moneys fund. The restitution payments are in addition to other fines and penalties for violating the Wildlife Code of Missouri. The new fines will go into effect Aug. 28. Supporters of the bill said that previous fines for poaching were too low in Missouri. The bill also gained support in part from five Missouri elk that were illegally killed by poachers in the past few years. None of the cases has yet been solved. According to MDC records, 547 wild turkeys, 58 paddlefish, and 4,731 deer were illegally taken, or poached, in 2017 and 2018. MDC is also investigating the poaching of five elk over the past several years. Black bear poaching incidents are a growing concern as well. MDC asks that anyone with information on poaching cases call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-392-1111.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors met for the regular meeting Tuesday at the hospital library. Two directors were in attendance to provide the board with reports on their departments. Linda Maledy, Director of Materials Management, gave the report on the changes made in her department over the last couple of years going to exclusive electronic ordering and billing, and working with two main vendors that increases their discounts. Trudy Rutland from Long Term Care gave an overview of her department and credits the successes there on the staff and the job they do with the patients. In the summary of operations for June, Chief Financial Officer Monica Stogsdill reported on the gain from operations of $67,145 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $72,196 for the month. For the fiscal year, the hospital had a gain from operations of $974,766 with an excess of revenues over expenses of $1,474,831. She did mention those are unaudited numbers. In June, there were 139 patients admitted to the hospital and the amount of acute care patients per day came in at 13.2. There were 86 medical and surgery patients occurred during June with 282 in-patient census days being reported. The cash flow statement showed a decrease in cash of $461,511 for the month with days in accounts receivable rising to 65 as the hospital’s Medicare biller took a vacation and then suffered an illness. Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hines reported during the month there were 854 emergency room visits, 196 ambulance runs with 147 patients being transported to the hospital, 29 surgical procedures, 1,793 outpatient registrations, 392 home health visits, 9,411 lab tests, 1,407 radiological procedures and 598 rehab treatments. She said there were 352 of the 2019 SMDH Community Health Needs Assessments submitted and the top four priority health needs were illegal and prescription drug abuse, affordable health care and the lack of health insurance in the area, obesity in adults and diabetes, and smoking and the health risks linked to it including COPD, asthma, cancer and heart disease. Hines said an implementation plan has already been put in place to address these issues, mostly through education, but also in working with other health agencies in the area including the Dent County Prevention Coalition. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas said the hospital auxiliary did not meet in July and the Hospital Foundation will hold their “Wings and Strings” fundraiser on Saturday, August 3rd at The Commons. He also said there will be a “Patient Appreciation Day” this Friday at the SMDH Family Medicine parking lot where they will serve up FREE hot dogs and hamburgers from 10:00 until 2:00. There will also be games, a bounce house, prizes, giveaways and more. It is absolutely free and it is where the public can meet all the caretakers and staff. Kasey presented the board with the SMDH Emergency Department quarterly surveys for April through June. A total of 114 surveys were returned and the hospital scored over 90% in almost all categories. He also presented the surveys from the SMDH Family Medicine for the 2nd quarter of the year and there were a total of 579 responses. Again, a positive rating of over 94% was received in all the categories. The board approved courtesy staff privileges for teleradiologists Rebecca Mueller, MD; Thomas Schroyer, MD; Matthew Stadnyk, MD; and John Stephens, MD. Lucas discussed the hospital expansion and said the plans are about 97% completed with some small tweaking still being done. He said the hospital will begin their search for some financing in the near future. Lucas also reported on the SMDH Long-Term Care central bath and restroom renovation and the patient room window replacement. He said the contractors will be submitting their contracts in the next week or so and the clock will begin on the work getting done. The board elected Dennis Fiebelman as the chairman for the new fiscal year while Judy Thompson was elected Vice-Chairman. Ray Bruno was elected as the Secretary. The board agreed to hold the public tax meeting before the next meeting on August 20th at 5:45 before going into closed session.

A new Salem Historic Ghost tour will be held in Salem this Friday night at 8:30 as Jacob Stotler will host a journey through the most commonly misspelled street in Salem..MacArthur Street! This is a one time event, hosted as a leg of our Downtown Ghost Tour. The tour will begin at the First Baptist Parking lot, venturing down MacArthur Street and veering off to explore the side streets joining it. Learn about the architecture, history, and most importantly the spirits that roam the original residential district in Salem. Who was Mr. Butler? Who lived in the Orchard house? Who haunts the old Casey’s? Learn all of this and more at our one and ONLY MacArthur Street Historic Ghost Tour!

The Doe Run Company awarded two full scholarships for two recipients to attend the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) 2019 Summer Explosives Camp in June. The scholarship recipients were Keara Brickey from Bunker High School and Tanner Morgan from West County High School. As part of the camp, students toured one of Doe Run’s mines to see firsthand how skills they’ve learned apply to mining careers.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the Independence Day Parade where the Commercial Float winner was Quality Plumbing and Construction, and the Non-Commercial winner was the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Horsemanship Award went to Jodie Dean. The Salem Chamber thanks everyone who attended the parade on July 4th and all those who participated.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will meet tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting at 7:00. The board will hear bids for a John Deere 444k Loader for the street department and also bids for 2019 Ford Explorer for the police department. After the consent agenda, the board will hear City Administrator Ray Walden’s report which will include setting a date for a nuisance workshop that will be open to the public. In the Introduction and Reading of Bills and Resolutions, the board will discuss Bill #3424 that creates an ordinance to amend an previous ordnance that will remove the turn signal requirement for utility vehicles and also correct a scrivener’s error. They will then discuss Resolution #17-2019 that authorizes the mayor and city clerk to execute a Missouri Warranty Deed on the sale of city property to Coffman Investment Company to expand their business. The board will also hear Resolution #18-2019 that would allow the mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and John Deere Financial for the lease of a 2019 John Deere 444K Model Loader. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel. The meeting of the city of Salem Board of Aldermen is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for June 19th through 25th. On Wednesday, June 19th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of West Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 30-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended – a 2nd or subsequent offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. Then on Saturday, June 22nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop near the Highway 32/72 intersection. During the course of the traffic stop, a 25-year-old Salem man was arrested for having an active warrant through the Dent County Sheriff’s Office. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond and was released. On Sunday, June 23rd, deputies traveled to a residence near the 400 block of Dent County Road 2190 to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. During the course of the incident, a 42-year-old Salem man was arrested for an active warrant through Dent County. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office Jail where he later posted bond and was released. Finally, on Tuesday, June 25th, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2200 block of West Highway 32. During the course of the traffic stop, a 27-year-old Licking woman was arrested for operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license, a 1st offense. The woman was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where she was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241 if you have any information concerning an investigation.

The Missouri Department of Revenue wants the public to know that the new REAL ID compliant driver’s license and ID cards are available. The Department began offering REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards in March 2019. Under Missouri law, applying for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card is optional. Effective October 1st, 2020, residents of every U.S. state and territory will be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of ID accepted by the Transportation Security Administration, to board federally regulated domestic flights. Individuals will also be required to present a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID card, or another form of acceptable ID, to access federal facilities, including military bases and federal courthouses, and to enter nuclear power plants. “REAL ID” comes from the REAL ID Act of 2005, a federal law that focused on fraud protection, anti-terrorism, and driver licenses and non-driver ID card security. The REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and ID cards and prohibits federal agencies from accepting for official purposes driver licenses and ID cards from states that do not meet these standards. Visit dor.mo.gov/drivers/real-id-information/ for more information.

Representatives from Missouri State Parks invite the public to an informational meeting on Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Taum Sauk and Jay Nixon State Parks at 2:00 this Saturday. The meeting will be held at the Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The public is invited to share comments about the state parks and their 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, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, helps create two-way communication with the public. Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located at 148 Taum Sauk Trail in Lesterville which is in southeast Missouri. For more information, please contact the park at 573-546-2450 extension 1001. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Plans are in place for another exciting 4-H and FFA Expo starting on Wednesday, July 17th and lasting through Saturday, July 20th at The Commons on Highway 72 just north of Salem. On Wednesday morning, the 4-H Exhibits will be judged starting at 10:00 and the Dessert Auction will be at 6:00 that evening. Then on Thursday, the livestock registration will begin at 9:30 with all livestock in place by 11:00 that morning. Livestock weigh-ins will begin at 12:30 Thursday afternoon. There will also be a Talent Show Thursday evening from 7:00 until 9:00. Friday will be jam packed with livestock judging starting early with the Hog Show at 7:00 in the morning followed by the Small Animal Show at 11:00. The afternoon judging will kick off at 1:00 with the Sheep and Goat Show followed by the Beef and Dairy Show at 2:30. During the evening there will be a movie shown and popcorn will be served. Saturday will be the climax for the 4-H and FFA Exhibitors starting with the Market Sale Luncheon at 12:00 noon and the Market Sale at 1:00. There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome. Local vendors will be on hand to serve food and beverages for those attending the Expo. For additional information about the Expo contact the Dent County Extension office at 729-3196 or the Salem Agriculture Education Department at 739-2016.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is proposing increases to the prices of its annual trout permits and daily trout tags starting in 2020. According to MDC, the increases are needed to better cover its costs of running five trout hatcheries that raise and release more than 1.7 million trout each year for public fishing. If the price increases are implemented, the cost of an annual trout permit will go from $7 to $10 for anglers 16 years of age and older, and from $3.50 to $5 for anglers age 15 and younger. The cost of a daily trout tag to fish at Missouri’s four trout parks: Meramec Spring Park, Bennett Spring State Park, Montauk State Park, and Roaring River State Park, will go from $3 to $4 for adults and from $2 to $3 for those 15-years of age and younger. The price change would begin February 29th, 2020. A trout permit is required to possess trout, except in trout parks where a daily trout fishing tag is required during the catch-and-keep season. In addition, a trout permit is required for winter fishing in trout parks during the catch-and-release season. To fish for trout, you must also have a fishing permit or qualify for an exemption. According to MDC, the annual cost of fish food and staff labor to raise a trout in 2003 was about $1 per fish. The annual cost in 2017 had jumped to nearly twice that amount. Those five fish hatcheries: Bennett Spring, Montauk, Shepherd of the Hills, Roaring River, and Maramec Spring Park, also require regular maintenance, and several have been damaged numerous times in recent years by spring flooding. MDC has spent more than $11 million over the past decade on repairs and improvements to the hatcheries. MDC also reports that utility costs for the five hatcheries have increased by more than 25% since 2008. The proposed price increases for annual trout permits and daily trout tags were given initial approval by the Missouri Conservation Commission at its May 23rd meeting. As part ofthe rulemaking process, the Department of Conservation is asking for public comments on the changes during July and early August. The only way to comment is to use this link: short.mdc.mo.gov/Z49. Once you access the site, you can comment on proposed price increases for trout permits at “3 CSR 10-5.430 Trout Permit.” For daily trout tags, you will need to go to “3 CSR 10-5.250 Daily Hunting or Fishing Tags” to make your comments. The Commission will consider input received and make a final decision to move forward, modify, or withdraw the changes during its August 23rd meeting. If approved, the anticipated effective date of the changes would be Feb 29th, 2020.

A free pasture weed control workshop will be held Tuesday evening, July 16th from 6:30 until 8:30 at the Wurdack Research Center in Cook Station. Topics to be discussed at the workshop include pasture weed identification, general pasture weed control, an overview of common poisonous plants and the forage quality of pasture weeds. If anyone has questions about the workshop, they can call the Crawford County Extension at 573-775-2135. They can also register for the workshop by calling that number. Debi Kelly from the MU Extension in Jefferson County will facilitate of the workshop.