Local News

Local schools and young children are invited to Montauk State Park to get a sneak peek of the park’s Old Mill Days celebration starting at 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon this Friday before the celebration opens up to the public Saturday. Student participants will have the opportunity to explore hands-on historical skills and other activities. On Saturday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon, the general public is invited to step back in time and explore some of the lost historical skills and traditions from a time many have forgotten. The annual celebration will bring the valley to life with historical re-enactors, traditional artisans and other local Ozark crafters to celebrate the historic mill and the region’s rich Ozark heritage. Montauk State Park is located at 345 county road 6670 in Dent County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-548-2225.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that turkey hunters checked 34,055 birds during Missouri’s 2018 regular spring turkey season April 16th through May 6th. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 760 birds checked, Texas with 732, and Laclede with 657. Young turkey hunters harvested 1,729 birds during the 2018 spring youth season, April 7th and 8th, bringing the overall 2018 spring turkey harvest to 35,784. In Dent County, there were 468 birds checked, Phelps County reported 546 turkeys checked, Shannon County had 391 birds checked and Crawford County reported 383 turkeys checked. Both Reynolds and Iron counties reported less than 300 birds checked during the Spring season. This year’s harvest total is down 17% from last year’s overall spring turkey harvest of 43,339 birds.

The historic Welch Lodge, located north of Akers Ferry on the upper Current River, was destroyed in a wildfire that ignited on April 12th, during warm, windy, and dry weather conditions. Despite valiant efforts by several local fire departments and wildland firefighters from Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Welch Lodge was a total loss as a result of the blaze. The Missouri State Fire Marshall and wildfire investigators from the National Park Service jointly investigated the wildfire and loss of the structure. The investigators determined the origin of the wildfire was a downed power line resulting from a tree that fell across the line a short distance from the lodge. The fire was first spotted around 2:00 p.m. by park visitors who had been fishing at the river landing nearby, as they were returning to their vehicle. They immediately drove to Akers Ferry Canoe Rental to report the fire. Firefighters from Timber Community Fire Protection District were the first to arrive at Welch, observing that the wildfire had already reached the structure and was spreading quickly through the attic space. They began fire suppression efforts for both the Welch Lodge and rapidly spreading wildfire, and requested additional assistance from Jadwin Volunteer Fire Department and National Park Service wildland firefighters. Because of the rugged terrain and extreme wildfire conditions, firefighters conducted a burnout operation along nearby roads, so that a secure containment perimeter could be established. Crews worked late into the evening to contain the blaze. In total, the fire burned 148 acres. Welch Lodge and the nearby unoccupied caretaker’s house, which was saved through the efforts of the local volunteer firefighters, were built about 1953 by the Welch Cave Ranch Company. The facilities were operated as a fishing lodge prior to the establishment of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The Welch Cave Ranch Company, a commercial enterprise of a group of St. Louis businessmen, catered to trout fisherman and stocked trout in the nearby man-made spillway from Welch Spring. The success of the enterprise is unknown, but the property was sold to the government in 1967 to become part of the national riverways. The lodge included 23 rooms, with two wings of dormitory bedrooms as well as a large kitchen, dining room, lounge area, and screened porch. Over the years it had served a variety of purposes, as a home for a Youth Conservation Corps camp through the early 1980s and then as housing for park employees. Plans to develop the lodge into a training center and educational youth camp were proposed and initiated in the early 2000s, but had been put on hold due to lack of funds. The National Park Service appreciates the response of both the Timber Community Fire Protection District and the Jadwin Volunteer Fire Department and their quick work to protect the caretaker’s house while slowing the initial spread of the wildfire.

The US Postal service is having their “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive” again this year as your postal carrier will pick up bags or boxes of
healthy non-perishable food items placed by your mailbox this Saturday, May 12th. Here are some suggested items that can be boxed or bagged up such as plastic jars of peanut butter; boxes of pasta, cereal and oatmeal; or cans of tuna, fruit, vegetables, soup or sauces. Please do NOT include any glass jars as they could break! The food collected stays in the Salem community to be sent to the local food pantries to help feed families in need. For more information, talk with postal carrier, check out Facebook.com/StampOutHunger or go online at stampouthungerfooddrive.us.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was not in attendance due to an illness. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley appointed Commissioner Gary Larson as the acting Presiding Commissioner for the meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Road 5170, the Quarry Road which is also Dent County Road 5220, and Dent County Road 6570. Purcell said grading would be done in the Gladden area on county roads 5510 and 6240 while brush would be cut on county road 6230. District 2 Commissioner Larson reported materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5225 and 5240, while only grading would be done on county roads 2590, 2593 and 2600. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded everyone the courthouse would be closed today for Truman’s Birthday. The commissioners did decide to solicit chip and seal bids for the summer. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. City Administrator Ray Walden said the City Wide Yard Sale went very well on Saturday and the Spring Clean-Up Weeks are currently underway this week and next week. Walden also reported on the last 2040 Salem Visionary Session as the students gave a summary of their work. Ten copies of the report of their findings will be released as a 240-page book and will also be released digitally in the next few weeks. Walden also said a Capital Improvement Committee meeting would be held in the next couple of weeks. Mayor Brad Nash asked Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon for an update on the City of Salem Alice Craig Municipal Pool and Lydon said the pool portion itself was finished and the pool house was being painted and was also nearing completion. Lydon said some concrete still needs to be poured on the deck and then the water slides will be installed. Westport Pools will begin filling the pool on May 14th and a Lifeguard training will be held May 21st through the 25th. The board approved Bill #3382 creating an ordinance to annex the Phelps County Regional Medical Center property on Highway 32-72 West, approved Bill #3383 that created an ordinance allowing the mayor to execute an agreement with Missouri Petroleum LLC for the labor, materials, equipment and insurance to apply and complete about 30,000 square yards of chip and seal, approved Bill #3384 that creates an ordinance allowing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Insituform Technologies USA, LLC to provide services to complete the 2018 Salem Sanitary Sewer CIPP Project, approved Bill #3385 to create an ordinance allowing the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Smith and Edwards Construction, Inc, for the City of Salem Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 1A improvements, approved Bill #3386 amending the ordinance pertaining to the discharge of fireworks in the city park, and approved Bill #3387 to allow the mayor and city clerk to execute a Quit-Claim Deed from the City of Salem to the County of Dent for the portions of Iron Street and Water Street the county needs for the construction of their new justice center. The board approved the petition for annexation for the property known as the Al Brown Fields into the city limits, and they approved allowing the Salem Park and Recreation Department to shoot off fireworks at the Salem City Park for their opening ceremony for the softball, baseball and T-Ball season on May 24th. Mayor Brad Nash presented recommendations for all standing committees including the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustment, the Park and Recreation Board, the Finance Committee, the Community Services Committee, the Capital Improvement Committee, the Airport board and the Utility Committee. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Saturday, April 28th deputies responded to the 3000 block of Dent County Road 6280 for a report of a burglary. The door was pried open and several items were stolen. Those items include a battery-powered fan, coffee machine, stovetop peculator, battery-powered lantern and a kerosene lamp. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, April 30th, deputies received a report of forged checks. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 3080 for the report of a burglary. Deputies observed a window ripped from the building and the glass on the green house broken. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, May 1st, deputies observed an individual at a residence on West Franklin that they knew had a warrant. They made contact with the 37-year old Salem man at the house and he was arrested. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3421.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is offering FREE comprehensive sports physicals through Friday, May 11th. The physicals are for all school aged children participating in sports activities in 2018. A parent or guardian MUST be present when the physicals are given. SMDH Family Medicine is in Physicians Office Building #3 on Highway 72 in Salem and is open from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM through Thursday, and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday. Please call 729-8000 to schedule your time.

An accident occurred Friday afternoon at 1:50 on Highway 72 about four miles north of Salem that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report, a 1997 Ford F-150 driven by 57–year old Nathan Coleman of Salem, was traveling southbound when the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road, then returned to the road. The driver overcorrected causing the vehicle to travel off the right side of the road again where the Ford pickup struck a utility pole and overturned. Coleman was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Dent County Coroner’s Office. Coleman was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford F-150 had extensive damage and towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident occurred Friday evening in Dent County at 11:15 on Dent County Road 3180 about one mile east of Highway 72. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Ford Mustang driven by 17–year old Madalynn Todd of Viburnum, was traveling eastbound when it ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Todd suffered minor injuries and was transported by private vehicle to Salem Memorial District Hospital. Todd was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Mustang was totaled and towed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

Plan to attend tonight’s last “Salem Vision 2040” meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory from 5:00-7:00. The student visioning team from the Center for Community Studies will present their recommendations to the Salem Vision Advisory Committee and the community. These recommendations will assist the committee and community to develop the vision for Salem. Please encourage friends, coworkers and others to attend as well as this is a community collaborative process. Everyone is welcome and it isn’t necessary to have attended the last meetings. Your opinion and voice is welcome and encouraged! The Salem Vision 2040 process is sponsored by the City of Salem in partnership with the University of Missouri Extension and the Center of Community Studies at the Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Monday evening at 7:00 for their next regular meeting. After the consent agenda, the board will hear from City Administrator Ray Walden with his report before Mayor Brad Nash gives his report. In the introduction and reading of bills, the board will hear Bill #3382 about annexing adjacent property into the City limits of Salem; Bill #3383 for the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Missouri Petroleum to furnish all labor, materials, insurance and equipment to apply and complete about 30,000 square yards of chip and seal; Bill #3384 for the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Insituform Technologies USA, LLC, to provided services to complete the Salem 2018 Sanitary CIPP Project; Bill #3385 for the mayor to execute an agreement between the city and Smith and Edwards Company for the city’s Waste Water Treatment Facility 1A improvements; and Bill #3386 amending Chapter 210 of the code of ordinances of the city pertaining to the discharge of fireworks. In new business, the board will discuss a petition for annexation of the Al Brown Fields into the city limits, hear Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon request approval to shoot off fireworks at the city park for the “Kick Off to Summer” event, and Mayor Nash will release his appointments to standing committees. The meeting will then be adjourned. The meeting of the Salem Board of Alderman Monday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 7:00 is open to the public.

Call2Recycle is North America’s first and largest consumer battery stewardship and recycling program, and they are encouraging consumers to declutter living spaces and break the battery hoarder habit by recycling used batteries. If spring cleaning is on your to-do list, it’s the perfect time to reclaim space filled with old batteries to make it cleaner and safer by recycling your batteries. Consumers should bag or tape used batteries as needed before taking them to a Call2Recycle drop-off site. Local drop-offs in the Meramec Region for rechargeable batteries or cellphone batteries include Lowes locations in Rolla, Sullivan of St. Robert. If damaged or swollen batteries are uncovered during clean-out, contact Call2Recycle as these batteries require special handling. Additionally, single-use batteries can be accepted at the Rolla Recycling Center. For more information on when and how, contact them at 573-364-6693 or visit www.rollacity.org/recycle. For more information on how to reduce waste in the Meramec Region, visit the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District’s (ORSWMD) website at www.ozarkrivers.org or contact Tammy Snodgrass or Jill Hollowell at 573-265-2993.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that with the four to nine tenths of an inch rain in District One and high winds most of his crew was out checking for downed limbs and clogged culverts and crossover pipes. He noted that brush was being cut on Dent County Road 6220 and a man was working on repairs to the chip and seal dura-patcher. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that materials were being hauled to Dent County Road 5240, plus patch grading would be done on that roadway. He stated he also had a man working on the chip and seal dura-patcher and that the rest of his crew was checking roads for downed limbs and clogged pipes. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles had nothing to report. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. She went on to say that she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for the month of April, plus she also balanced with the collector and assessor on monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for April. The Commissioners reviewed her reports. Curley added that the Board of Equalization will be meeting July 16th at 1:00 in the Commissioners Office and that the Courthouse will be closed Tuesday in observance of President Harry Truman’s Birthday. At the last meeting the Commissioners agreed to seek bids for financing the lease/purchase of two new graders at $84,577.62 per grader. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Three projects in the Meramec Region received funding through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) distributed by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The recipients of the grants include Bourbon, Pulaski County and Dent County. CDBG funding for the projects totals to $1.2 million. The CDBG program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The city of Bourbon received funding from CDBG to allow East Pine Street to be reconstructed from College Street to Route N. The reconstruction is to include new water lines, sanitary sewer lines, storm sewers, sidewalk repairs and street paving. Pulaski County received a the CDBG grant on behalf of the Pulaski County Sheltered Workshop to renovate the facility located at 3 Industrial Drive in Richland. Dent County received a grant on behalf of the Dent County Fire Protection District to provide upgrades to the Fire Station at 2 South Main Street in Salem. The building was built in 1969 and is a former car dealership and requires some upgrades to meet the needs of a fire station. The building is used for public meeting space and will receive upgrades to make it accessible and more user friendly. The project will replace the roof with a Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing system, add more and larger bay doors and replace the parking lot with a heavier base for the larger vehicles that now use the space. Also, concrete aprons will be added at the new bay doors. Inside the building, the existing public restrooms will be expanded and retrofitted to meet ADA requirements, and a new ADA restroom will be constructed. A new personnel restroom will be constructed to include showers. Finally, a new public entrance will be constructed for the meeting rooms with a lobby and an accessible entrance. Total funding from CDBG for this project is $350,000. The cost of the project is being supplemented by a US Rural Development loan and in-kind work from the county. Completion is expected around June 2019.

The City of Salem wants to remind city residents that the Spring Clean-Up Weeks will be held on Monday, May 7th and again on Monday, May 14th. You can put excess items to be disposed off on the curb where your trash is normally picked up. Old appliances, lawns mowers, etc can be put at the curb during the Spring Clean Up weeks. You can also put out yard waste that includes leaves, grass clippings, branches, and general yard debris. Please don’t combine with wood fencing, landscape timbers, flower pots, yard decorations, mulch, or dirt. Yard waste can only be collected in tied bags or bundles. Grass clippings and leafy debris should be placed at the curb in biodegradable trash bags that are available at the City Administrative Offices. Branches and limbs should be no longer than four (4) feet in length, and six (6) inches in diameter. All branches and limbs should be tied in bundles weighing less than 50 pounds, and bundles should be stacked uniformly at the curb. You cannot put out old tires, old car or lawn batteries, or motor oil or other oil accessories, or paint cans with any paint in them for pickup.

The Spring Community Wide Yard Sale this Saturday morning officially begins at 7:00 throughout the city of Salem and beyond. Please be careful on the road of drivers looking for yard sales where they may stop or turn suddenly or slow down without warning to gaze at items on display. A great way to display items off the road is at the City Administration parking lot behind the City Administration Building at 4th & Iron Street for $8.00 per space. There are still some spaces available, but hurry, they are reserved on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to reserve your space, call 729-2428.

Congressman Jason Smith congratulated Congressional Art Competition finalists and winner during a reception at the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus on Monday evening, May 1st. Avery Coffman, a senior at Salem R-80, won the 8th Congressional District Competition with a work of the St. Jude Chapel in Montauk, MO. The piece was completed by burning a drawing of the church into a piece of wood. The work of the St. Jude Chapel will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a full year and Avery will receive 2 round trip tickets to Washington, DC to attend the Congressional Art Competition reception with other winners from around the country. 11th grader Marlene Schuh, also of Salem, was also a finalist.

An accident occurred Tuesday, April 24th on Highway 19. According to the Salem Police report, a 2001 Honda FXDWG, driven by Marcus Sapaugh, was east bound on Franklin and stopped at a stop sign waiting to turn left when he failed to see a northbound 2008 Mazda 3, driven by Penny Lanham, The Mazda attempted to avoid Sapaugh by swerving, and Sapaugh attempted to avoid Lanham by laying down on the left side. Sapaugh was ejected from the Honda as the vehicles collided. The Mazda sustained minor damage, and the Honda sustained Moderate damage. Sapaugh sustained minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 2:52 on Highway 72 about five miles south of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Explorer driven southbound by 76-year old Roberta Allman of Rolla, was making a left turn into a private drive and was struck from behind by a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze driven southbound by 18-year old Karlie Johns of Salem. The collision caused the Explorer to overturn and travel off the left side of the roadway. Johns and Allman both suffered minor injuries and were taken by the Phelps County Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. They were both wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing. The Explorer was also totaled and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their May meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, the Board reviewed and approved the bills as presented. The budget was reviewed with a general revenue balance at the end of April of $148,779.15. The balance for same dates in 2017 was $92,161.07. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 36 calls for the month. No further information was available as the department was at a pallet fire on Highway 119 for most of the day. In old business, it was reported that engine 85 is still in the shop for Department of Transportation lights to be installed and updated. The sub frame is also being repaired and structurally increased. Truck 89 radios are being installed, programmed and set up for the command center. Work on truck 89 should be completed this week. Chief Brad Nash presented the board with copies of lawyer agreements, lease agreement, and warranty deed paperwork for review by the board. This paperwork is necessary for the completion of the grant the department received from the USDA and will be discussed at the next meeting. Chief Nash also reported the new UTV is outfitted and in service. The UTV can be used for various jobs ranging from brush fires to search and rescue. June 5th was set for the next meeting to take place at 6:00 p.m. at the fire station and the meeting was adjourned.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is reviewing regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri regarding gigging on Ozark streams and wants public input through a brief online survey regarding timing of the season, season length, and comments. You can share your input on gigging on Ozark streams through the Missouri Department of Conservation homepage at mdc.mo.gov under GIGGING FEEDBACK. Please take the survey by June 15.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday at the courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4160 and 5520, while only grading will be done on county roads 4220, 6660 and 6670. Purcell indicated materials would be added to Dent County Road 5490, brush would be cut on county road 6240, and chip and seal repairs would be made to Dent County Road 4180. He asked drivers to use caution when driving that road and be aware of the county workers making those road repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading was being done on Dent County Roads 2160, 2165 and 3300, while materials would be added and grading done on county roads 4380 and 5260. Larson said brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4290 while a man would be going to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repair. A man will also be replenishing the supply of chips for the chip and seal repair. Another man from District 2 will be screening brown rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to congratulate Chaplain Richard LaBrash and everyone at the American Legion/VFW Post on Highway 32 West for an extremely successful Veteran’s Affairs Day this past Friday. A number of veteran’s were helped by the event. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported she attended the South Central County Clerk’s meeting held at West Plains along with Dent County Assessor Tina Whitaker. They met with the State Tax Commission and went over the new online formal reporting for clerks and assessors. Curley said it is very important that the numbers are reported properly as the numbers they report can affect what schools and other entities receive in taxes. She said the reporting could also affect CART funds and more. Curley reminded the commission the courthouse would be closed on May 8th for Truman’s Birthday. At 10:00, bids were opened for the sale of a sheriff’s vehicle and three bids were received ranging from $300 to $660 dollars. The county accepted the bid of $660 from Jimmy Whitaker. The commissioners also set the meeting of the Board of Equalization for 1:00 on Monday, July 16th in the Commissioners office at the courthouse. If you have an issue to bring before the board, you must make an appointment by contacting the Dent County Clerk’s office at 729-4144 or stopping by the clerk’s office at the Dent County Courthouse. At the last meeting, Sheriff Bob Wells and Sergeant Lenny Pabin came in to discuss a camera being placed in the Associate Circuit Courtroom and a couple on the outside of the building as well. The commission said Rommel Lock and Key could install one and get an estimate back to the commission on the others. The cameras will be paid for out of the LERF fund. They also discussed a county work program for Drug Court clients under supervision instead of going to jail. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The pedestrian bridge over the Jacks Fork River along Highway 106 at Alley Spring is permanently closed and the Jacks Fork River beneath and adjacent to the bridge is temporarily closed to all visitor use. This includes all activities such as swimming, floating, fishing and gravel bar use within 100 feet of the bridge. This closure does not affect the highway bridge, which is next to the pedestrian bridge. The pedestrian bridge was structurally damaged during the April 2017 flood and was closed to foot traffic at that time while the park sought funding to repair the bridge and the damaged water and sewer utilities beneath. Then in February 2018, additional flooding caused an eight-foot rise of the Jacks Fork River. A recent emergency inspection performed by a Federal Highway Administration bridge engineer determined the stability of the pedestrian bridge has been further compromised and has now created a safety hazard to anyone nearby. The National Park Service has been notified that ongoing movement of two of the bridge piers has increased. Based on field observations and evaluation of the bridge plans, any increase in water volume or wind has the potential to cause the structure to collapse. Closure of the river below it is required to avoid injury to park visitors to avoid personal injury should the bridge collapse. Park visitors who are floating upstream from the bridge must take out at the Alley Spring gravel bar above the bridge (near the campground) and are prohibited from floating underneath the bridge. The Burr Oak day use area just downstream from the bridge will serve as an alternate river access for concession operations and visitors who want to float downstream from Alley Spring. The Burr Oak day use area is located on the north side of the Jacks Fork River, just south of the Alley Mill parking lot. The Alley Spring pedestrian bridge isscheduled for removal as soon as possible, but that will likely occur later in 2018. The pedestrian bridge and adjacent section of the Jacks Fork River will remain closed until demolition is complete and the hazard is removed.

The Dent County Soil and Water District will be holding an Open House and Supervisor election today at their offices at 1012 East Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The polls will be open from 11:30 until 5:30 and refreshments will be served.

An online Community Confidence survey is now available and GRO Salem needs your help. The purpose of this survey is to gain an understanding of how our community members perceive your community. The goal is to conduct this survey on an annual basis and closely monitor changes from year to year. This is a follow up survey to the one that was done last year and your response will help monitor changes from the previous year. The data collected will be crucial in helping us understand where our Community and Economic Development efforts are driving positive impact and where additional efforts need to be expended. Surveys need to be completed by May 25th, and your response is appreciated. Let your friends, neighbors, co-workers, church family and anyone who lives, has lived or works in Salem know about this survey as the more responses received, the better GRO Salem can assess what needs to be addressed. There are only five questions and the survey should take no more than five minutes of your time to complete. You can find the survey by copying and adding this address to your browser and clicking enter: https://goo.gl/forms/nrTLyHKdRp8qXl4P2.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Sunday, April 22nd, deputies received a report of fraudulent use of a debit/credit device. It was reported that a pre-paid debit card was taken from their mailbox and used. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, April 23rd, deputies went to a residence on Dent County Road 6287 for a report of a stolen utility trailer. It was described as a black 1999 L&D with short side rails. The trailer was 6 foot by 16 foot. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to a residence on Route U to locate a female with a Phelps County warrant. The female, a 40-year old Salem woman, was located in a camper on the property. She was arrested and transported to the Dent County Jail. She was also found to be in possession of a red glass-smoking device with marijuana residue in it. She was later released to Phelps County. On Wednesday, April 25th, deputies responded to a report of a burglary at a residence in the 10,000 block of Highway 19 North. Upon arrival, deputies were told that the homeowner caught two people inside the residence and they fled. A vehicle description was gathered and the vehicle was located a short time later. The driver, a 29-year old Salem woman, was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. After an investigation, a 21-year old Salem man was arrested the next day. They were both charged with accessory to 2nd degree burglary. If anyone has information about an investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Dent County Fire protection District will hold their next board meeting on Tuesday, May 1st at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire Protection District Fire House. The board will review financial reports, approve bills, review the calendar for upcoming events, and discuss the monthly reimbursement report. After old business will be new business where the board will review and sign a new resolution if approved that reads this way: “A Resolution of the Board of Directors of the Dent County Fire Protection District approving and authorizing the execution of a series of agreements and documents with the Dent County Emergency Response Association to allow for certain repairs to a fire station and adjoining parking lot; authorizing the Chairman of the District and other district personnel to execute such agreements, instruments and documents, to adopt such other resolutions, and to take such other actions as may be necessary to fully implement and complete said agreements.” After the board hears reports, the directors will set the next meeting date for Tuesday, June 5th. The meeting will then be adjourned.

The Salem Police Department responded to a number of calls on Monday, April 23rd. The first call was at 3:27 as an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a burglary. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 200 block of West Hunt and took items valued at $1,550.00. The report is under investigation. At about 4:34 that afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the detention of a 16-year old female juvenile of Salem for stealing merchandise
valued at $12.29. The juvenile suspect was released to her mother and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. That evening near 9:39, an officer was sent back to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of this report led to the arrest of a 17-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, both of Salem, for stealing merchandise valued at $6.18. The suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that evening at about 11:27, officers returned to Wal-Mart for another report of a shoplifter. The investigation of the report revealed that a 35-year-old female of Salem had taken merchandise valued at $9.94 and left the store without paying for it. The report is under investigation. At approximately 11:31 that night, a vehicle was stopped for a warrant investigation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Missouri State Probation and Parole. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

According to the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department, 19-year old Nick Barton of Bunker has been charged with a Class A Felony of 2nd degree murder in the shooting death of 42-year old Cameron Dale Hill of Bunker. He is also charged with a Class C Felony for the delivery of a controlled substance. According to documents from the Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the police investigation showed that Barton arranged to sell a quantity of prescription Oxycodone to another man. Barton attempted to meet the individual but made contact with Hill instead. During that contact, officials say there was a confrontation and Barton fired several shots causing Hill’s death. Deputies found Hill lying face down on the ground near a vehicle off of Reynolds County Road 844 after they received a call to check on the well being of a person. Hill’s body was taken to Farmington Tuesday for an autopsy and the results have not yet been released. The investigation of the incident by the Reynolds County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is continuing.

The Dent County Soil and Water District will be holding an Open House and Supervisor election on Tuesday, May 1st at their offices at 1012 East Scenic Rivers Blvd in Salem. The polls will be open from 11:30 until 5:30 and refreshments will be served.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported he had a crew upgrading a creek crossing on Dent County Road 5520 including the addition of materials, plus patch grading would be done on that road. He added that he had another crew patching chip and seal on Dent County Roads 2400, 6150 and 6180. Purcell urged drivers to use caution on those roadways as they travel around the work areas. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported brush would be cut on Dent County Road 5240, plus materials would be added to county roads 2630 and 3300. He went on to say that two men were working on repairing an air leak on Truck #116, plus a man was screening rock at the Road and Bridge Department. Larson noted that grading would resume next week once the roadways dried out. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Monday he met with Russ Runge of Ozark National Scenic Riverways to discuss a number of issues. Runge updated Skiles on the progress to date on repairing last year’s flood damages to campgrounds, roadways, buildings, etc. Skiles noted that the feral hog problem was also discussed. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that Thursday she attended a luncheon meeting at the Community Center @ the Armory about the salemmo.com website, which the groups share. She went on to say that today she and the county assessor would be attending the South Central Regional County Clerks’ regional meeting in West Plains. Curley said the group would hear from the State Tax Commission about revisions and online reporting. She said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. The Commissioners set May 14th at 10:00 for a budget adjustment hearing to include the CDBG grant for the Dent County Fire Protection District. A decision on bids for culverts, which had been postponed from a previous meeting, was revisited with the bid from Metal Culverts, Inc. being accepted for metal culverts and the bid from Viebrock Sales and Service, Inc. was accepted for polypropylene culverts. The next regular meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday afternoon, April 19th at about 3:50, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 50-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $10.00. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Sunday, April 22nd at about 8:57 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 37-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from St. Francois County. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. That evening at approximately 10:11, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The stop led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem for the possession of methamphetamine drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday evening, April 24th at about 9:54, an officer located a 32-year old male from Pevely at a residence in the 400 block of South Askins who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

A death investigation by the Reynolds County Sheriff’s office and Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control is currently underway in Reynolds County. According to Reynolds County Sheriff Tom Stout, deputies found 42-year old Cameron Dale Hill dead after his office received a call to check on his well being. The preliminary investigation showed that he died from an apparent gunshot wound. There are persons of interest in the case, and investigators are following up on these leads, according to the sheriff’s office. An autopsy is being done in Farmington to determine the actual cause of death. Sheriff Stout said there is no reason to believe the community is in danger. No other information is available at this time.

An accident happened in Dent County on Dent County Road 4110 about a mile east of Salem Tuesday afternoon at about 4:50. According to the highway patrol report, 30-year old Jacob Likes of Salem was driving a 2014 Motovox Motorbike westbound when he lost control of the motorbike at which time the vehicle overturned and ejected Likes. Likes suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was not wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The motorbike had minor damage and was removed from the scene by a private party.

Time is running out to sign up for a number of 4-H Camps for this summer. The traditional 4-H Camp at Camp Clover Points at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park will be held June 4th through the 7th where children will swim, play games, sing songs, do crafts and so much more. This camp is not limited to only 4-H members. The cost is $130 per child if they are in 4-H and $140.00 if they are a non-4-H member. There will also be a 4-H Shooting Sports Camp from June 21st through the 23rd that is designed to explore the world of 4-H shooting sports including archery, air pistol and air rifle for children ages 8-18. State Certified Shooting Sports instructors will be there every step of the way. The cost of that camp is $125. New this year is a 4-H Canine Camp for those who are 8 to 18 years of age where the 4-Her can bring their dog to camp and be ready to train the animal to reach great heights while still being able to enjoy swimming, canoeing and more. The cost is $175 for the Canine Camp. Scholarships are also available for the camps. For more information about being a 4-H member or the camps, contact Linda Shelton at the Dent County Extension Center at 729-3196 or e-mail her at sheltonl@missouri.edu.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On Monday, April 16th, deputies responded to the 8 UP Ink on South Missouri Street in Salem for a burglary. It was reported that tattoo machine power units and tattoo ink were stolen from inside the business. This report is still under investigation. On Wednesday, April 18th, deputies responded to a residence on Highway 68 for a report of an intoxicated individual entering a house and attempting to assault a resident. A 68-year old Salem man was arrested for burglary and assault. He was taken to the Dent County Jail. That same day, deputies traveled to Dent County Road 6680 for an investigation of a sex offender living at an unregistered address. After the investigation, a 62-year old Salem man was arrested for failure to register as a sex offender. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Thursday, April 19th, deputies responded to a residence on Route YY for a report of a burglary. It was found that someone had stolen a pitchfork, shovel, and air compressor. This report is still under investigation. That same day, deputies traveled to a residence on Private Lane 413 to attempt to arrest a 39-year old Salem man with a warrant. He was located and taken into custody. Deputies also found a metal smoking device with burnt marijuana residue in it. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On April 21st, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 5260 for a report of a burglary. This report is still under investigation. If anyone has information about an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Healthy Dent County will be hosting a Color Run on Friday, May 11th at the Tiger Trail at the Salem Upper Elementary School starting at 6:00 with registration beginning at 5:00. The pre-registration fee is $12.00 for students up to 18 years of age with adults over 18 being $15.00. This fee includes the registration, color Run T-Shirt as well as sunglasses. You can pre-register through Friday, April 27th at the salem Community Center@The Armory. You can also register the day of the Color Run for the same fee, but you will not receive the T-shirt or sunglasses. The money raised by the Color Run will be donated to the Dent County Love Pack Backpack program. For more information, contact Melissa Dubois at the Salem Community Center@The Armory at 729-8163.