Local News

An accident happened at 11:35 Tuesday morning in Dent County on Highway 32 about 11 miles east of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Volvo Tractor driven eastbound by 44-year old Charles Turner of Smyrna, Tennessee, went off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Turner suffered moderate injuries and was taken by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was wearing his seat restraint. The Volvo was totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted at the scene by the Dent County Fire Protection District, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Department of Transportation.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports for the month of July. On Monday morning, July 1st at about 11:40, an officer was dispatched to a residence on Ray Lane in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took a Mongoose BMX bicycle valued at $160.00 from the yard of a residence. The report is under investigation. Later that day at 4:36 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 22-year-old male of Salem for the possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was released pending the application for a criminal summons. On Wednesday, July 3rd near 4:12 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 21-year-old male of Salem for stealing merchandise. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Just a few minutes later at 4:25, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of South Warfel in reference to a female causing a disturbance. That investigation revealed a 27-year-old female of Salem was threatening to harm herself and others, then assaulted an officer. She was then arrested for assaulting an officer and was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. That same evening at about 10:33, an officer located a 44-year-old female of Salem near Walker Street and Highway 32 who had an active arrest warrant from Licking, Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and later released with a date to appear in court after posting bond. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Community Garden will be hosting their “Meet us at the Garden” event this Saturday at starting at 10:00 behind the Salem United Methodist Church. The first half hour of the event will be your chance to ask a Master Gardener questions and get hands on gardening demonstrations. Then from 10:30 until noon, it will be garden volunteer work. If you would like to have your own plot, just call 729-3196 to sign up. The first plot is free and it is just $10 for each additional plot you want. If you have any questions about the event or getting a plot at the community garden, call 729-3196.

Another Downtown Salem Historic Ghost Tour will be held Friday night, July 12th from 8:30-9:30. The event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Those interested can meet at the Dent County Courthouse gazebo on the square, downtown. Jacob Stotler will be your host for the first ever downtown historic ghost tour in Salem! The tour will begin with a trek through downtown, listening to the tales of the past, and tales of those from the past coming back to visit. Learn the history of our buildings, enjoy the summer air, and experience great fellowship with other Salem residents. You will find out unusual facts about the Salem you never knew. Learn all of this and more on the downtown ghost tour! See you there!

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released reports for June 17th and 18th. On Monday, June 17th, deputies were requested to assist the Salem Police Department with a trespassing call in the 1200 block of South Gertrude. Deputies traveled to the residence and during the course of the investigation a traffic stop was conducted on West Mary Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 20-year-old woman of Salem was arrested for driving while being intoxicated in a drugged condition. The female was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, fingerprinted, issued summons and released. Then on Tuesday, June 18th, deputies traveled to the 3500 block of East Highway 32 for a report of a domestic disturbance occurring at the residence. During the course of the investigation, a 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for trafficking drugs in the 2nd degree, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia – methamphetamine. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and incarcerated. Also on the 18th deputies traveled to the 300 block of Dent County Road 4245 for a report of a suspicious vehicle. During the course of the incident, a 23-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and was released. Finally on that date, deputies traveled to Dent County Road 2403 for a report of a vehicle parked in the roadway. During the course of the incident, a 49-year-old Salem man was arrested for a felony warrant through Phelps County. The man was later transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. Please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241 if you have any information concerning an investigation.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley was in Circuit Court in Dent County in front of Judge Megan Seay. Curley reported that Elvis Aaron Meadows of Salem pled guilty to felony domestic assault in the 3rd degree. He was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections. Curley also said that Tammy Jean Stone of Salem pled guilty to two Class D felonies for the possession of a controlled substance for heroin and methamphetamine. She was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections. According to Curley, Stone is a prior and persistent offender. Curley also reported that Amy Jo Jackson of Salem, who had pled guilty to a Class C felony for the possession of a controlled substance in December of 2016 and was placed on probation, had her probation revoked. She was sentenced to serve four years in the department of Corrections.

With daytime temperatures consistently reaching 90 degrees or more across Central Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation advises motorists to be aware of what that heat can do to roadways. “Pavement blow-ups” are rifts that occur when a concrete roadway surface expands at a crack or joint where moisture has seeped in. This recently happened on westbound I-44. That crack weakens the pavement and the heat causes the pavement to buckle and warp, creating holes in the surface. Despite the term, the pavement does not actually explode. Shafer says that roads that have been impacted by flooding this summer could be more susceptible to the pavement blow ups. He advises motorists that come across a blow-up to slow down and report the location to MoDOT. Motorists can call MoDOT’s toll-free customer service center to report pavement blow-ups at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be hosting a blood drive on Thursday, July 11th, at the First Baptist Church in Salem. The blood drive will take place during the afternoon from 1:00 until 6:00. A free “Never Stop the Adventure Of Saving Lives” t-shirt will be given to each participant. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks remind participants to eat and drink well before the blood drive. Remember, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and bring a photo ID!

Right now, deer hunters can apply online through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) website for a shot at more than 100 managed deer hunts throughout the state for archery, muzzleloading, and modern firearms from mid-September through mid-January at conservation areas, state and other parks, national wildlife refuges, and other public areas. Some managed hunts are held specifically for youth or for people with disabilities. The managed deer hunt application period is now through July 31st. Hunters are selected by a weighted random drawing. Draw results will be available August 15th through January 15th. Applicants who are drawn will receive area maps and other hunt information by mail. You can get more information on managed deer hunts, preview hunt details at mdc.mo.gov/managedhunt. Details about managed hunts can also be found in MDC’s “2019 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available starting in early July at MDC offices and nature centers, from permit vendors around the state, and online at mdc.mo.gov.

Even though they’re a challenging crop to produce, blackberries offer huge potential for Missouri farmers. The “Growing Blackberry Production and Sales in Missouri” project offers educational sessions and tours of innovative blackberry farms. Join local and nationally known blackberry specialists and farmers this Friday, July 12th from 1:00 until 5:00 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 7057 Old 66 in Cuba, to gain knowledge and expertise on a wide range of blackberry topics. The session will include an overview of blackberry production, cultivars, trellis design, and an informal question and answer session, plus a tour of Ozark Berry Farm at Leasburg. The workshop will be presented by University of Missouri Extension with support from Lincoln University Cooperative Extension, the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Webb City Farmers Market. There is a $10.00 registration fee and in order to register contact the Crawford County Extension office at 573-775-2135.

During July at ONCRC visitors have the opportunity to enjoy and learn from The River Exhibit. It is a cultural and natural history display of the Current River which includes artifacts, photos, newspaper accounts of the origin and controversy of enabling legislation creating the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, plus reflections on the life and communities that have disappeared. The exhibit provides a great opportunity for tourists, visitors and local citizens to stop by and take a trip of memories down the Current River. The exhibit starts July 8th and continues through the month of July. For information contact Mary Beth Cook at 573-453-6061 or ONCRC at 573-729-0029.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5600 and 6600 and materials would be added to county road 5080. He also said brush would be cut on county roads 4210 and 4215, and that a man would be traveling to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3080 and 3090, while only grading will be done on county road 3130. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county road 3020 and that services as going to be done on grader #31 and tractor #6. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a 9-1-1 regionalization meeting last Wednesday in St. James that deals with the regions described in House Bill #1456. That bill said up to 11 regions could be created, but right now ii looks like the state has proposed eight regions and that Dent County would be in Region 6 that will extend from Maries County to the Arkansas Line in Oregon County. The reasoning behind this is to make the 9-1-1 system more effective and efficient in the state. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said Dent County residents should have received their new voter registration cards and they are blue. Dent County Collector Denita Williams brought in the sales tax numbers for the money received by the county this month from the state. She said the General Revenue Fund and LEST Funds were down this July from July 2018 by over $18,000 in each fund. The GR and LEST Funds received $75,501.19 this July and year-to date are down $19,413.75 which is about a 3.4% drop. Williams said the Road and Bridge Fund went from $44,222.42 last July to $35,798.72 this July which is a reduction of over $8,400. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Fund is down $4,623.25 and that is a drop of about 1.66%. She said the Jail Trust Fund and the Construction and Operating Fund each came in at $72,454.84 for the month of July and that is down from July of 2018 which came in at $88,075.12 for each fund. Year-to-date, each jail fund is up about $363.16. At 10:00, Commissioner Purcell opened bids received for a quality used truck for the county to purchase for the road and bridge department. Three companies submitted bids for a total of eight vehicles. B&B Motors submitted bids for three trucks, Chafin Motors had bids for two trucks and C&E Auto submitted bids for three trucks. No action was taken at the meeting as the trucks will need to be looked at by the commissioners before a decision is reached. At the last meeting, the commissioners agreed to seek lease/financing bids for two graders that will be due in the office by 10:00 on July 18th. The commissioners also announced that there will not be a commissioner meeting this Thursday morning due to previous commitments by all three commissioners. The next meeting will be held July 15th at the courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday night, June 28th at about 10:00, an officer located a 39-year-old male of Salem in the 1500 block of South Gertrude who had two active arrest warrants from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and was later released with a date to appear in court after posting bond. On Saturday night, June 29th near 7:16, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 31-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 Sunday afternoon at 12:28 on June 30th, an officer was dispatched to the Dollar General parking lot in reference to a female slumped over the in the driver’s seat of a vehicle. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 51-year-old female of Salem for being in possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Conservation has announced it has reduced the number of counties in its management zone for chronic wasting disease (CWD) from 48 to 29 starting in July. Changes to the CWD Management Zone will impact restrictions on feeding deer, antler-point restrictions, antlerless permits for some counties, and mandatory CWD sampling. The 29 counties now included in MDC’s CWD Management Zone are: Adair, Barry, Cedar, Chariton, Christian, Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Hickory, Howell, Jefferson, Knox, Linn, Macon, Mercer, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Polk, Putnam, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Stone, Sullivan, Taney, Warren, and Washington. In response to finding CWD in Missouri, the Conservation Department created a CWD Management Zone around where confirmed cases of the disease have been found to help track and limit its spread. Recent research shows more than 90 percent of bucks in Missouri disperse less than 10 miles. Based on this recent research, the Department of Conservation is removing the following counties from its CWD Management Zone because they are more than 10 miles from locations where cases of CWD have been found: Benton, Bollinger, Boone, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carroll, Cole, Cooper, Dade, Grundy, Livingston, Madison, McDonald, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Randolph, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, and St. Louis. Added to the CWD Management Zone were Christian, Howell, and Oregon counties because of recent CWD detections in Oregon, Stone, and Taney counties.

A two vehicle accident happened Friday evening at 6:30 in Phelps County on Route V about two miles north of Rolla that resulted in three people suffering injuries. According to the report released from the highway patrol, a 2008 Chevrolet 2500 HD, driven by 53-year old Richard Voyles of Rolla, was southbound on Route V and traveled into the oncoming lane striking a 2007 Mazda 6 traveling northbound, driven by 19-year old Scott Hill of St. James. Voyles sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps Health by the Phelps Health Ambulance. It was unknown if he was wearing a seat restarint when the accident occurred. Two passengers in the Hill vehicle were also injured. Suffering serious injuries was 19-year old Dakota Mathenia of St. James who was flown to University Hospital in Columbia by Phelps Health Air Ambulance for treatment. She was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The other passenger, one-year old Laikin Hill of St. James, was transported by the Phelps Health Ambulance to Phelps Health for treatment. She was in a child safety seat. Scott Hill did not injured in the accident. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident and removed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing of Rolla.

A one vehicle accident Friday morning at 8:30 in Maries County that left a person from St. James with minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Chevrolet Camaro being driven by 22-year old Lindsay Seams, of St. James, was eastbound at the intersection of Route H and Route C when she failed to stop at a stop sign, traveled across and off the roadway striking a sign and some trees. Seams was transported by a private vehicle to Phelps Health in Rolla for treatment of her injuries. The Camaro was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. Seams was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred on Saturday evening at 10:10 in Phelps County on Highway 68 about three and a half miles south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Harley Davidson driven by 50-year old Michael Cornelius from Perryville was traveling northbound when he traveled off the right side of the roadway and and the motorcycle started to slide. Cornelius suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps Health by the St. James Ambulance. The Harley Davidson motorcycle sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors Meeting took place at 6:00 Tuesday evening, July 2nd. After the call to order, a motion was made and carried to approve the consent agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved as presented. Bills were heard and approved with an ending balance of $204,112.87 as of the end of June. The budget was reviewed and approved. The calendar review made note of the 4th of July parade. In the monthly reimbursement report, the department received a total of 17 calls for the month of June, bringing the total calls year to date to 150. In old business, Chief Nash stated that the department upgrade project was waiting on USDA, Engineers, and Lawyers final approval and confirmation of insurance to get started. As soon as the approval comes in the roof project will be the first to be started. Chief Nash also stated that the pump motor on Tanker 84 needs repaired or replaced. A replacement motor would cost $3500.00 and the system is old. The board asked Chief Nash to get pricing for new verses repair and report to the board so as to get this taken care of as soon as possible. Nash also reported that a vacancy for an officer has become available for the department. Applications have been given out and after being received back will be reviewed and interviewed for the position. The date for the next meeting was set for August 6th at 6 p.m. at the fire station.

On Tuesday, July 9th, the University Extension will join with Country Mart in Salem to empower 16 low-income residents of Salem with the shopping skills needed to stretch their food dollars and serve healthy, affordable meals to their families. Local families will learn to compare unit prices, purchase fruits and vegetables on a budget, read food labels and pick out whole grains. Nutrition and Health Specialist Rachel Buenemann MS, RD, LD will lead the tours for local adults and families. During the one and a half hour tour, participants are empowered with four key food skills, receive a booklet with recipes and shopping tips, a reusable grocery bag and $10 worth of healthy groceries. The sessions will be from 10:00 until noon and from 1:00 until 3:00 in the afternoon. To register for the Cooking Matters at the Store Day or for more information call 573-458-6260.

The Bonebrake Discovery Camp will be held Wednesday, July 10th through Friday, July 12th at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History from 9:00 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon. This camp is for children from the ages of about seven to twelve and will provide an enthusiastic experience of the outdoors coupled with art and cultural programs. All the activities are designed to nourish, enrich and strengthen a growing child. The cost is $75 for the three day session and enrollment is limited! Registration is on a first come, first served basis. Call 729-34000 for more information or e-mail bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a traffic check point in Dent County on Saturday, July 6th. The sheriff’s department is asking anyone who is stopped at the check to please have their driver’s license and proof of insurance ready to present to the officer. The Dent County Sheriff’s Office thanks you ahead of time for your cooperation.

The Dent County Health Center board of trustees met Monday, June 24th. After the call to order, the minutes for the May 2019 meeting were reviewed and approved. Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided to 81 clients during the month of May. Mobray went on to report that the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services WIC program is transitioning to an EBT system, called eWIC, beginning in October of this year. Dent County is scheduled to implement the new program in March 2020. Eric Fuchs from Wayne County will continue as the Emergency Planner for the Health Center. Lodging inspections in the county are also underway at this time and food inspections are up to date. As the new school year approaches, the Health Center would like to remind students and parents that Kindergartners must be up-to-date on immunizations to start school in August. All 8th graders must have one dose of meningitis and one dose of Tdap. Two doses of meningitis are required for 12th graders unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age. The Dent County Health Center currently bills most insurance companies and offers state vaccine for uninsured, underinsured, and Medicaid clients. Vaccinations are available daily without an appointment. For additional questions, please call 573-729-3106. The Health Center reported eight cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and one case of Erlichia Chaffeensis. The Dent County Health Center expenses for May 2019 were approved and the next regular board meeting date was set for Monday, July 15th at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was then adjourned.

A draft of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for 2020-2024 is available online for the public to review and comment on through the end of regular business hours TODAY! The draft STIP includes 1,869 highway and bridge projects, of which 85% will maintain the system in the condition it is in today. On average, this STIP annually invests in 1,014 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,346 miles of major route pavements, 2,652 miles of minor route pavements and 213 bridges. The draft 2020-2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program lists transportation projects planned by state and regional planning agencies for fiscal years 2020 through 2024 (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2024) You can access the draft plan by going to the www.modot.org website and the link to the draft is located toward the bottom of the page. To offer comments you can contact MoDOT: STIPcomments@modot.mo.gov, or by calling customer service at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). Missouri has the nation’s seventh largest state highway system with 33,859 miles of roadways and 10,385 bridges, but ranks 48th nationally in revenue per mile.

A one vehicle accident occurred Tuesday evening at 7:30 in Phelps County on Highway 68 just north of Route F. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Saturn Aura driven by 22- year old Emily Bounds of Salem was eastbound when she lost control of the vehicle in a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. Bounds suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. The Saturn sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by family. According to the report, Bounds was wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident.

An accident happened on Wednesday morning at 8:25 in Texas County on Highway 32 at Pursiful Drive about four miles east of Licking. According to the highway patrol report a 2007 Ford Fusion was being driven eastbound on Highway 32 by 25-year old Wanda Graber of Licking when a 2006 Mazda 6 driven northbound by 17-year old Kaleena Scheer of Licking, failed to yield to the Ford and struck the vehicle. Both Graber and Scheer suffered minor injuries. Grabber was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by the Salem Ambulance while Scheer was taken to the Texas County Memorial Hospital by the Texas County Ambulance. Scheer was not wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident while Graber was wearing hers. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Jays Automotive of Houston.

Did you know that many believe that Missouri is home to Bigfoot and it lives in the Ozarks? Come enjoy a night of family fun beginning at 8:30 p.m., Saturday July 6th at the Echo Bluff State Park amphitheater to hear about this larger-than-life character and other fascinating and funny Ozark tall tales as told by native Missouri storyteller Larry Brown. Brown has been telling these tales for 35 years all over the country and is regularly featured on the Mid-Missouri public radio program Radio Friends with Paul Pepper. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for this outdoor event. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, in southeast Missouri. For more information, call Echo Bluff State Park at 573-751-1224. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

An accident happened Sunday night at 9:10 in Dent County at the junction of Highway 72 and Route J that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara driven southbound by 23-year old Megan Caesar of Salem, was stopped in the merge lane to turn onto Route J when a 2018 GMC Pickup driven northbound by 61-year old Cynthia Fruehauf of Greenbrier, Arkansas, crossed the center line and struck the Suzuki head-on. A passenger in the Suzuki, 72-year old Timothy Gibson of Salem was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead by Dr. White at 11:11 Sunday night. Fruehauf suffered serious injuries and was Air Evac’d to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Caesar suffered serious injuries as well and was Air Evac’d to the University Hospital in Columbia as was another passenger in the Suzuki, 61-year old James Gibson of Salem who also suffered serious injuries. Everyone but James Gibson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night for their regular scheduled board meeting. The board approved the request from Randy League of the Midwest Blue Oval Club to close the streets around the courthouse square on September 7th for the Current River Blue Oval Car Rally. Public Works Director Mark Nash presented five bids for used tractors for the street department and the board approved his recommendation of a 2014 John Deer 6115R that includes a diamond boom mower for $52,000 delivered. This tractor can clean ditch lines and also can extend in the air to clear overhanging branches and vines as well. It does the work of two tractors with one man. City Administrator Ray Walden wanted to remind everyone of the Independence Day Parade starting at 6:00 Thursday night followed by the fireworks display at about 9:15 to 9:30 at the Commons. He wanted to remind the public they are not allowed to bring and shoot fireworks on the Commons property before, during or after the display. Walden said the city offices would be closed on Thursday for the 4th of July. He also said MoDOT gave the go ahead to advertise for bids for the TAP grant to build the trail from the City Park pavilion to the Salem R-80 Administrative Offices. The bids will be due on Tuesday, July 23rd at 1:30 at the city administrative offices and a pre-bid meeting will be held July 11th at 1:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Walden reported the Salem Community Center had 4,120 participants in April and 5,017 in May. He also stated an Economic Development Workshop will be held on July 11th at 5:30 at the Dent County Fire Station. He also said he would send the aldermen a list of meeting dates to set up a nuisance workshop that would be open to the public. They can get back with him as to the dates that fit their schedule best. The board approved Resolution #16-2019 with the Dent County Commission, Collector and Treasurer that would allow the county collector to bill and collect the City of Salem real estate, personal property and Salem Public Library taxes through 2023. The board also approved Bill #3422 to create an ordinance to allow the subdividing of a parcel of land at 202, 204 and 206 West Fourth Street. On Bill #3423 to approve a change order agreement for the old middle school, there was a lot of discussion that the city should not have to pay all the additional monies for asbestos abatement as they felt the engineering firm, Environmental Operations, Inc., did not do enough due diligence in their assessment of the old middle school. It was found that there was additional caulking behind each window that was assessed in the school from the original windows that were put in the building which must be removed. Alderman Shelton and Hinderliter voted to approve the additional monies to keep the project moving with the possibility of recourse against Environmental Operations, Inc. while Aldermen James and Nash voted against the bill. Mayor Brad Nash voted to move forward and approved the ordinance with the tie breaking vote. City Clerk Mary Happel said that the Park Street Trailer Court still has not submitted an application for a new license and she was going to contact them and let them know they are in violation and may be subject to penalties. She also has been approached by some people about the UTV ordinance that states they must have turn signals. Many of the models do not have signals and she wanted direction of the board as to leave the ordinance as is or change it. The board voted to remove the requirement to have turn signals on UTV’s from the ordinance. The board approved the repair or replacement of a number of transformers for the Electric Department from Solomon Corporation that totaled $14,680.00. Administrator Walden said $30,000 had been budgeted for this project. The board then went into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel.

Captain Eddie Blaylock, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that during the 4th of July holiday weekend, troopers will conduct a hazardous moving enforcement operation, in Crawford County. This is one of many enforcement projects being conducted through the holiday weekend, which starts today and ends on July 7th. Troopers assigned to this project will direct their efforts to Interstate 44 in Crawford County. Special emphasis on speed, following too close, aggressive driving, and driving impaired will be their primary focus. Captain Blaylock would like to remind travelers to designate a sober driver or sober captain if your holiday plans include alcohol. Captain Blaylock also reminds the public that emergencies on the road or on the water can be reported by dialing *55 on their cellular telephone.

The Dent County Commissioners held their regular meeting Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. At the meeting, City of Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge gave the commissioners an update on the economic activity during the month of June in the city and county including new prospects, ongoing opportunities and projects, marketing activities and new city business licenses that were issued. She also updated the commission on grants and explained to the commission about the medical marijuana ordinance that was passed by the city due to Amendment 2 being passed by the state and the restrictions and requirements of dispensaries and manufacturing. She talked about the historic Salem Ghost Tour hosted by Jacob Stotler that was held Friday night and drew about 300 people to the event. The next ghost tour will be held July 12th and 26th, while a special tour of McArthur Avenue will be held on Friday, July 19th. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5390 and 6660 while grading and ditch work will be done on county road 5130. Purcell stated that materials would be added and grading done on county road 5380 and brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 4180 and 4210. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 3200 and 4285, while only grading would be done on county roads 2350, 3180, and 4283. Larson went on to report that brush was going to be cut on county roads 3030 and 3040 and backhoe would be taken out to county road 2090 to clean out some pipes. He said patch grading would be done on county road 2070 and a man would be traveling to Springfield to get oil for chip and seal patching. Dent County Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Advisory Committee Meeting at the Wurdack Farm last Thursday and it was good turnout where the Dean of the Missouri College of Agriculture was there along with a number of people from the agricultural school. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that a voter canvass is underway and that people should be receiving a blue voter registration card in the mail. At the last meeting, the commission approved to allow the Salem Chamber choir to sell snow cones and Christmas ornaments on the courthouse lawn. It was also announced the Dent County Courthouse would be closed for Independence Day and also on Friday. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, July 8th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday night, June 21st at about 9:37, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 900 block of South Hickory reference a domestic assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 26-year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 26-year-old male of Salem and left the residence in an intoxicated condition with children. After a further investigation, the suspect was located and placed under arrest for driving while being intoxicated, domestic assault and for endangering the welfare of a child. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. Then on Saturday evening, June 22nd near 6:57, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak reference a domestic disturbance. That investigation revealed a 48-year-old male of Salem had unlawfully entered onto the property of another and refused to leave. A further investigation led to the arrest of a male suspect for trespassing. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. And finally on Wednesday, June 26th at approximately 7:09 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 33-year-old male of Salem for driving while having their license revoked and for the unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for warrants. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host the annual Alley Spring Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 6th, from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening. This event commemorates the traditional picnic celebrations that were held at Alley Spring around the turn of the twentieth century when this area was the social gathering place for local families. The sounds of the Buzzard Run Bluegrass Band and stomping of the Country Ho’ Downers square dance group will ring throughout the valley. Free ice-cold watermelon and lemonade will be provided to visitors. The Spring Dipper from Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, will be on site dipping up delicious handmade ice cream. Bring the family and a lawn chair or lawn blanket and take part in one of the classic celebrations that define the Alley Community. Alley Spring is located five miles west of Eminence on State Route 106. For more information, phone (573) 226-3945, or visit the park’s Facebook page or website at www.nps.gov/ozar.

An accident happened Sunday night at 9:10 in Dent County at the junction of Highway 72 and Route J that took the life of a Salem man. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara driven southbound by 23-year old Megan Caesar of Salem, was stopped in the merge lane to turn onto Route J when a 2018 GMC Pickup driven northbound by 61-year old Cynthia Fruehauf of Greenbrier, Arkansas, crossed the center line and struck the Suzuki head-on. A passenger in the Suzuki, 72-year old Timothy Gibson of Salem was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead by Dr. White at 11:11 Sunday night. Fruehauf suffered serious injuries and was Air Evac’d to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Caesar suffered serious injuries as well and was Air Evac’d to the University Hospital in Columbia as was another passenger in the Suzuki, 61-year old James Gibson of Salem who also suffered serious injuries. Everyone but James Gibson was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 2:20 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about six miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2009 Hyundai Elantra driven northbound by 26-year old Rachel Farmer of Steelville traveled off the right side of the roadway. Farmer then overcorrected and the Elantra crossed the roadway where the Hyundai traveled off the left side of the road where the vehicle collided with an embankment. Farmer, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered serious injuries and was transported by Air Ambulance to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. The Hyundai was totaled in the accident and was removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened in Texas County on Pigeon Creek Road about three miles north of Licking Friday night at about 10:30. According to the highway patrol report, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 17-year old Lucas Green of Licking traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. Lucas suffered minor injuries and was transported to Phelps Health in Rolla. He was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and was removed later by the owner.

An accident occurred Thursday night at approximately 9:09 in Crawford County on Route V about two miles east of Davisville. According to the highway patrol report, a 1994 Ford F-150 driven by 36-year-old Jeremie Crocker of Viburnum, traveled off the right side of the roadway. Crocker overcorrected and the Ford traveled off the left side of the roadway. The truck then overturned ejecting Crocker and the Ford came to rest against a tree. Crocker suffered serious injuries and was taken by Air Evac to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. The report stated that Crocker was not wearing a safety restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

An accident happened in Texas County Thursday afternoon on Highway 63 about three miles south of Houston. According to the highway patrol report, 2017 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup driven southbound by 60-year old Roger Scott of Sullivan, slowed to make a left hand turn and was struck from behind by a 1996 Ford Ranger driven by 60-year old Mark McDonald of Rolla. McDonald suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. The Ranger was totaled in the accident while the Dodge Ram sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Jay’s Towing. Both drivers were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, Randy League will talk with the board about the Current River Blue Oval Rally that will be held in Salem on September 7th. The board will then hear the bids received by the city as they are looking for a used tractor. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report that will include setting a date for the nusiance workshop. The board will discuss Resolution #16-2019 that authorizes the mayor and the Salem Board of Aldermen to approve an agreement between the City of Salem and Dent County Collector, Dent County Commission and Dent County Treasurer for the collection of taxes due to the city for personal property, real estate and Salem Public Library. The board will address Bill #3422 that would create an ordinance that would allow the subdivision of 202, 204 and 206 West Fourth Street. The board will also address Bill #3423 that authorizes Mayor Nash to sign and execute a change order agreement between the city of Salem and Donald Maggi, inc for the old Middle School. The board will discuss trailer court licenses, give direction on the UTV requirements to City Clerk Mary Happel, and approve transformer repairs that have gone bad over the year that will be over $3,000. The board will then go into closed session to discuss contracts and personnel. The regular meeting of the Salem Board of Aldermen will be tonight at 7:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem is reminding everyone that if they would like a brick from the Old Middle/High School, they will be available at the parking lot behind the City Administration Parking lot. The City asks that those interested take only one brick per person. The bricks will be available from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting following a public hearing and public meeting Thursday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission Gary Brown, discussed with the board the hearing about subdividing a parcel of land located at 202, 204 and 206 West Fourth Street. This is already zoned commercial. There were no objections to the request to subdivide the property. The Planning and Zoning Commission then approved to recommend the request to the Board of Alderman for the subdividing request. Brown also spoke to the board about the proposed zoning update in relation to the passing of Amendment 2 in the state for the selling and cultivating of medical marijuana. An ordinance was prepared with the assistance of Economic development Director Sally Burbridge that the commission reviewed. They recommended to the board to go with the ordinance that was numbered #3420 with two changes being made: the first was in Section 2 under Item A that said no marijuana dispensary shall be located within 500 feet of an existing elementary or secondary school, child day care center, church or public park, not the 1,000 feet in the original ordinance; and in the same section, Item A and subparagraph 3 that says the measurement shall be made along the shortest path between the demarcation points that can lawfully be drawn on a map and not lawfully traveled by foot as stated in the ordinance. The board would take action on the request later. Burbridge then spoke on behalf of Jacob Stotler with a request to let the city close some streets during his downtown historical ghost tours that will be held every other Friday through August 9th. The streets to be closed by the police from about 8:30 until 9:30 would be 4th Street between Iron and Main Streets and also between Main and Henderson Streets, and 3rd Street between Henderson and Washington Streets. The request was approved by the board. Attorney William Camm Seay then read the entire Ordinance #3420 twice because of the suggested changes to the ordinance before the board approved the ordinance. The board also approved the 2019-2020 budget that will begin Monday, July 1st and end on June 30th, 2020. Anticipated revenues for the fiscal year are $13,604,997 with anticipated expenditures of $13,560,727. The budget was approved with a 3-1 vote as Alderman Kenny Nash voted against the budget as he was concerned with the debt being incurred by the city with their improvement projects on the Waste Water Treatment Plant and Sewer Extension. City Clerk Mary Happel presented another trailer court license application to the board that she received from Central Missouri Investments for the trailer park at 703 South Pershing. She said this trailer park had not yet been inspected but there have been very few problems with it in the past. The board approved the license on a contingent basis agreeing to award the license if the trailer park passes the inspection or makes required improvements before a deadline set at the time of inspection. Happel also updated the board on Truman Court Trailer Park that all improvements required will be made by Monday, July 1st. The board then adjourned.

Jacob Stotler will host another Downtown Salem Historic Ghost Tour tonight from 8:30-9:30. The event is free and the public is welcome to attend. Those interested can meet at the Dent County Courthouse gazebo on the square, downtown. The first tour attracted over 400 people to the event. The tour will begin with a trek through downtown, listening to the tales of the past, and tales of those from the past coming back to visit. Some unusual facts about Salem will also be described. See you there!

The deadline to nominate a Missouri veteran/active duty service member for the 2019 Missouri State Fair Military Flag Retreat is July 4, 2019. To be selected, individuals must be nominated using the form available on the Missouri State Fair website. Nominees must be Missouri residents and be available one of the eleven days of the 117th Missouri State Fair. Once a nomination is completed it can be mailed, faxed, or emailed to the Missouri State Fair office. Send in your nominations now to join us in honoring our military service men and women in the first ever Military Flag Retreat Ceremony at the 2019 Missouri State Fair!

A FINAL REMINDER! Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk wants to remind anyone who still has delinquent real estate taxes from 2016 that you will need to pay them IN FULL by THIS Friday during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon at the collector’s office in the courthouse. If you fail to do so, then on July 1st, the taxes from 2016, 2017 and 2018 will ALL be declared due by August 23rd, 2019. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 26th, 2019 on the courthouse steps. Check payments will no longer be accepted so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check, money order, debit or credit card. This is very important so do not put it off any longer. Call the Dent County Collectors Office at 729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Also, after this Friday, 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 2016 need to be paid IN FULL by this Friday, June 28th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The Salem Police department has released reports from June 6th through 11th. On Friday night, June 7th, at about 9:21, an officer located a 36-year-old male of Salem near the 800 block of South Hickory who had an active arrest warrant from Jefferson County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and was incarcerated pending extradition. About an hour later that same night, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of East Ellis in reference to someone trying to break into a residence. The investigation of the report revealed a 21-year-old male of Hillsboro broke a door in of the residence, assaulted the resident, then fled the scene on foot. The report is under investigation. Then on Saturday afternoon, June 8th, at around 5:36, an officer located a 22-year-old male of Salem near Craig Industrial Drive and Highway 32 who had two active arrest warrants from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On the morning of June 9th at about 7:35, an officer was dispatched to the area of Center and Hickory Streets in reference to a suspicious vehicle. The investigation of the vehicle led to the arrest of an 18-year-old male of Salem for being a minor in possession of intoxicants. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same evening at approximately 8:40, an officer located a 51-year-old male of Salem near Highway 32 and Highway 19 who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 573-729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem present this year’s Independence Day Parade in Salem with the theme an “Ozark 4th” Parade. Entry forms are now available for the parade that will begin at 6:00 in the evening on July 4th. This year’s route will be the same as it has been in the past starting from the SBU Salem campus and traveling east on Franklin, then moving north on McArthur before heading east on 4th Street and finishing up around the courthouse square. If interested in being in the parade can pick up a copy of the parade rules at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office. Entry forms need to be submitted by July 1st and can be dropped off at the chamber office, e-mail them to chamber@salemmo.com, or fax them to 573-729-6741. Following the parade, the annual Independence Day Fireworks display will again be held at The Commons starting after 9:00. If you have questions, contact Tabitha at the Chamber of Commerce office at 729-6900.

The Salem Police Department has released the following accident report. On Thursday afternoon, June 20th, at approximately 3:05 a 2000 Dodge Ram, owned and operated by Mark Brockling of Lake St. Louis, was westbound on Highway 32 approaching the Highway 19 intersection. A 2000 Peterbilt driven by Eric Pierce of Salem and owned by Thompson Trucking and Excavating of Salem was eastbound on Highway 32 and making a left turn on Highway 19 to travel north. The Peterbilt collided with the Dodge in the intersection of Highways 19 and 32. Brockling suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Dodge sustained extensive damage and there was only minor damage to the Peterbilt.