Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams reported on funds received from a class action lawsuit filed against the government for the underpayment of PILT monies from 2015-2017. The total amount received was $3,653 and that money will be put into the General Revenue Fund. She also stated the CART funds had been received this month and came in at $61,515.22 which is $305.14 more than the county received last year. Year-to-date, the CART fund balance is up $2,812.55 over 2018. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 5610 and 5615 while only materials would be added to county road 5680. Purcell added that brush would be cut on county roads 2470, 6090 and 6100, and one man would be doing shop maintenance. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 2050 and 2060 while only grading was going to be done on county roads 4030, 6130 and 6160. Larson went on to say brush would be cut on county road 2050. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles attended the MRPC Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet last Thursday in Waynesville where Judy Apperson was recognized for all her years of volunteer service in the community. Skiles said 16 people attended from Dent County which was the second largest contingent from any county except the host community: Pulaski County. Commissioner Purcell said phone bids would be solicited for diesel fuel, and the commissioners approved advertising for Request for Proposals to perform a financial audit on the county for the fiscal years 2018 and 2019. The RFP’s would be due in by November 21st at 10:00 to be considered. Their next meeting will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley released a couple of reports from cases heard in the 42nd Judicial Court held in Dent County Wednesday in front of Judge Thompson. In the first case, Lindee Sprong of Licking pled guilty to a DWI and she was a prior misdemeanor DWI offender. She was sentenced to serve 60 days in the Dent County Jail. In the second case, Nicholas Barton of Bunker pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges of passing of bad checks. He was sentenced by Judge Thompson to serve one year in the Dent County Jail.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Monday, October 14th, near 1:48 in the afternoon, an officer was sent to a residence in the 700 block of North Warfel in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown damaged two sections in a fence valued at $150.00. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at 4:41, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The traffic stop led to the arrest of a 41-year-old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended and on an active arrest warrant from Crawford County. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court for driving while having her license suspended and incarcerated on the warrant pending extradition. On Tuesday, October 15th at about 12:55 in the afternoon, the School Resource officer observed a 15-year-old male juvenile of Salem using a vaping product in a school bathroom. The student was detained for possession of tobacco/alternative and released to a guardian. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. Later that evening near 8:41, an officer was dispatched to Phil-Mart in reference to shoplifting. The investigation of the report revealed a male and female entered the store, took alcohol valued at $49.98 and left the store without paying for the merchandise. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The City of Salem has developed a survey to gather public input about nuisances in the City and they would like your input. The survey is on the city’s website at www.salemmo.com. You can also begin the survey by clicking on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H76GR52. The City is asking that you pass along the information about the survey to your friends and neighbors so that as much public input can be obtained. If you do not have a computer or prefer to have a paper copy, hardcopies of the survey will also be available at the City Administrative offices building at 4th and Iron Streets in Salem during normal business hours. Please respond as promptly as possible as the city would like to have as much input on this subject for their next board meeting on November 4th.

Ortega National Parks (ONP), a hospitality and retail company operating in parks across the country will manage lodging, dining and retail operations in Montauk State Park for Missouri State Parks beginning November 1st. The park, located just southwest of Salem, is a popular fishing destination and provides a variety of other activities enabling the half million visitors each year to interact with the more than 3,000-acre park through hiking, biking, programs, tours and camping. According to Shane Ortega, founder of Ortega National Parks, Montauk State Park is well-known for its activities, beauty, and respect for wildlife and Missouri does an incredible job with their state parks, so we’re looking forward to working with them. ONP will manage all lodging at Montauk, including guest rooms and family-sized cabins within the park. They will also operate the Montauk restaurant and Montauk Resort Tackle Shop in the Dorman L. Steelman Lodge. Ortega also said that the Montauk Resort Tackle Shop is at the top of our list so we plan to enhance the layout, increase the amount and variety of merchandise, and ultimately ensure guests have everything they need for a fun trip to Montauk State Park. ONP specializes in retail and hospitality industries managing commerce in several national, state and county parks across the United States through retail stores, concessions, restaurants and lodging. In addition to providing services in more than 15 parks, ONP upholds historical preservation at every site with environmental responsibility. ONP works with parks to protect and sustain natural park resources while keeping water preservation and energy reduction in the forefront of its strategies and technologies. For more information about Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, visit the web at https://mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Salem Police Department has released their report for the month of September. The Salem Police issued five equipment repair orders, 15 summonses to appear in court, nine warning tickets, and 12 traffic tickets, plus they also served eight fugitive warrants. The Salem Police investigated 17 traffic accidents, two burglaries, made two death investigations, and investigated a lost or stolen license plate. They also wrote one missing person report, one property damage report, eight stealing reports, and one trespassing report. The department investigated one report of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, six possessions of a controlled substance reports, two possessions of drug paraphernalia reports, three domestic violence reports and one domestic assault. They also investigated two leaving the scene of an accident and made a sodomy report. The department was also dispatched for 47 animal calls, made 44 ambulance assist calls, 34 well being checks and performed 55 traffic stops for the month. The department received 1,070 calls during the month of September and had 109 walk-ins to the station. The department drove 6,833 miles during the month of September and spent 12 hours in court testifying and 8 hours as court bailiff. There were 17 males and three females arrested in September.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will be holding a blood drive on Tuesday, November 5th at the First Baptist Church from 1:00 until 6:00. To be eligible to give blood, you must weight at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have a valid photo ID.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in for the Commissioners to sign off on the budgeted transfer of $40,000 from the Inmate Security Fund to the LEST Fund. She also reported that she attended the Missouri County Treasurers Association meeting Sunday and Monday where she was elected 1st Vice President and will move up to President of the Association next year. In the road report District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said he had a crew in the Bunker area hauling oversize rock to Dent County Road 5610 in order to stabilize a bluff that’s caving off. He went on to report that brush was being cut on county roads 6090 and 6100, plus he has a Cat grader down with control issues. Purcell said that a service technician had worked on the grader twice, but the issues have not been resolved. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 2160, 4030, and 6140, while brush would be cut on county roads 2050 and 2060. He noted that work was continuing on a loader to replace worn pins and that Truck #116 was being serviced, plus he had man screening brown rock at the Road and Bridge Department. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported Judy Apperson would be recognized for her service to Dent County at the MRPC Annual Volunteer Recognition Awards Dinner Thursday night in Waynesville. Deputy County Clerk Melissa Piatt reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 in the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a couple of reports. On Tuesday October 15th, the sheriff’s office was notified of
a burglary which had occurred in the 11000 block of West Highway 32. A deputy traveled to the area and discovered a weed eater had been stolen from a residence. Then on Thursday the 17th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1400 block of South Highway 19. During the traffic stop, a 32-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued summons and released. If you have any information regarding the theft please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Onondaga Friends Association will partner with area grottoes to host geology tours of Onondaga Cave, Saturday, October 26th. These first-come, first-served cave tours will leave every half-hour from the visitor center. The first tour begins promptly at 5:00 and the last tour will depart at 9:00 that night. To ensure you preferred tour time is available, it is highly recommended that you make advanced reservations especially if you are planning a group event. Reservations and advance payment can be made by visiting onondagafriends.org. If you plan on camping at the park, be sure to make your camping reservation early by visiting mostateparks.com or by calling 1-877-422-6766. Conditions in the cave include limited lighting, concrete walkways, metal handrails, cool temperature (57 degrees F) and high humidity (nearing 100%). Participants are encouraged to dress in layers of warm clothing and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. Onondaga Cave State Park is located 7 miles southeast of the Leasburg exit off of Interstate 44 on Highway H. For more information about this and other events, contact the park at 573-245-6576.

Officials at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Poplar Bluff announced a one-day flu clinic will be held at VA clinic at Physicians Office Building 1 on the campus of SMDH TODAY from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00. The CDC says that people at especially high risk for flu complications include adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, young children, and those with asthma, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and children with neurological conditions. Whether you get your shot to protect yourself, those you love, or high-risk individuals (or all three), the time to get your flu shot is now. Veterans who receive their flu shots outside of VA health care are asked to report their immunization to their primary care physician. Those unable to attend the flu shot clinic may still receive them through a primary physician or the Dent County Health Center.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital held their regular meeting Tuesday night at the hospital library. Hospital CEO Kasey Lucas said it was a busy month of September for the hospital with 115 admissions with an average of 13 acute care patients per day. He also there were 2,102 outpatient registrations, 1,963 cardiopulmonary procedures, 8,560 lab tests, 1,409 radiology procedures, 806 rehabilitation treatments, 37 surgeries, 272 home health visits and 869 emergency room visits. There were 272 ambulance runs for the month with 188 patients transported and 84 dry runs. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $72,033 and had revenues over expenses after taxes of $74,451. Reviewing the operating expenses, Lucas pointed out contractual services for floor RN’s brought in a large expense in September as did the purchase of supplies. The days in net accounts receivable has jumped to 73 from 59 due to the audit adjustments as the number of days the hospital has cash on hand dropped to 43. The Hospital Auxiliary was a part of the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk with over 100 walkers in attendance on October 1st. Their next meeting will be held on November 5th at noon at the Salem Community Center@the Armory. Chief Operating Officer Jason Edwards reported the Hospital Foundation will be holding their “Dancing with the Salem Stars” on January 25 at the SHS Gym and they have 13 couples signed up. They will also have a Golf Tournament on June 5th and a Wings and Strings event on September 12th. Foundation Advisory Board members Judy Thompson and Dennis Fielbelman decided to stay on the board for another term. Edwards reported the hospital had 75 people come through their booth at the Rose Holland Trout Derby at Montauk State Park on October 5th. The hospital continues to do their CPR training and first responder training with the Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department and the Dent County Fire Protection District. A Stroke Support group is meeting quarterly on the 3rd Tuesday at 1:00 at the hospital library, and a Diabetes Support group is meeting the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm at the hospital library. Edwards wants to promote the diabetes support group more to make more people aware of the meeting. After reviewing the SMDH Emergency Department and the SMDH Family Medicine patient satisfaction surveys which all showed very good results, the board discussed the expansion update. Alexander Construction began work on the Long-Term Care renovations on September 16th while the window replacements in the patient and resident rooms to be done by Cahill Construction will be held off until the spring. The board discussed the issuance of revenue bonds to pay for the hospital expansion and the Request for Proposal letter is to be sent this Friday and due back on November 11th. At that time, the finance committee will be meeting. The board approved the purchase of new hemodialysis unit from Fresenius for $15,141 to replace an old unit. They also approved going with the bid from Town and Country Bank for the lease/purchase amount of $165,876 for a new ambulance with an interest rate of 3.05% with a 36-month term that will require a monthly payment of $4,827.27. The board approved the board meeting dates of Tuesday, November 19th at 6:00 PM and Tuesday, December 10th at noon to work around the holidays. The board then went into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Thursday evening, October 10th near 11:17, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Carty in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 26-year-old female of Salem on an active arrest warrant from Phelps County. The suspect was later released after paying all fines and costs associated with the warrant. On Saturday night, October 12th at approximately 9:40, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That traffic stop led to the arrest of a 32-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Sunday night, October 13th, at about 9:40, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of South Gertrude in reference to people using illegal drugs and a suicidal person. That investigation led to the arrest of a 36-year-old male of Washington, Missouri for the possession of heroin and methamphetamine. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Outreach Office of the Russell House will be hosting their quarterly Coordinated Community Response meeting on Monday, October 28th from noon until 1:00. The meeting will be at the Judicial Building at 112 East Fifth Street in Salem upstairs in the conference room. Lunch will be provided at no cost to you or your organization. The presenter and guest speaker for this quarter is Ms. Chris Gansemer, with the Lake of the Ozarks Stop Human Trafficking Coalition in Camdenton, MO who will speak on Human Trafficking. If you have plan on attending, contact Teresa Sellers as soon as you possibly can at the office at 573-729-4774 or on her cell at 573-578-3586 or email her at tsellers@pcfcs.org.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met October 17th at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided for 95 clients in September. She also noted that construction repairs to the east end of the building were nearing completion. Mobray said Roma Jones and Chrysta Hinderliter attended breastfeeding peer counselor training in early October. She also stated that she and Jennifer Roderman would be attending SEMA POD (Points of Dispensing) training in November. Mobray said that Flu shots continue to be available at the Health Center on a walk-in basis with Flulaval, for ages 6 months and up; Flublock, for those with egg allergies; and High Dose Fluzone for ages 65 and up. The Health Center is able to bill private insurance and child Medicaid. Mobray went on to say that Flu shots are $37.00 for adults who are uninsured, plus if places of business or job sites are interested in holding Flu shot clinics they should contact the Dent County Health Center at 573-729-3106. She reported that Flu Clinics were held at Salem R-80, North Wood R-IV and the Salem Senior Center. The Health Center reported three cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, 1 Cryptosporidiosis in September, plus investigated two animal bites. Pursuant to Section 610.021 of the Missouri Statutes the Board went in to closed session. Upon returning to open session DCHC expenses for September were approved and the next regular board meeting was set for November 21st at 5:00.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 2:55 in Newton County on southbound I-49 five miles south of Joplin that left a Salem man with minor injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, driven by 34-year-old Benjamin Wehmeyer of Salem, struck a deer in the roadway. Wehmeyer lost control of the Chevrolet and it was struck by a 2014 Mack Truck, driven by Matthew Spellman of Springfield. The report stated that Wehmeyer and a passenger in the Chevrolet, 37-year-old Anjel Jarman of Joplin, suffered minor injuries and were transported to Mercy Hospital in Joplin. According to the report, neither Wehmeyer or Jarman were not wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident, while Spellman was. The Chevrolet sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. The Mack Truck sustained moderate damage and was removed from the scene by M and M Wrecker.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital annual audit report was given at their regular board meeting held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Jean Nyberg of BKD CPA’s and Advisors discussed the audit with the board. She said there was a tremendous increase in the net patient service revenue of almost 2.9 million dollars which came to about a 14% increase, but that increase in revenue also created a significant increase in accounts receivable and the related bad debt provision. The internal accounting excess of revenues over expenses came in at $2,596,642 for the fiscal year, but the auditors found an adjustment for the receipt of a pledged receivable of $152,879, an adjustment for a physician’s note receivable of over $63,000, and a substantial adjustment of the hospital and clinic allowances that came to over $2.8 million dollars. Nyberg also said the cash account went down due to the high account receivable due and payment of the additional expenses, especially agency personnel associated with the increase in patient admissions. That decrease in cash was over 1.6 million dollars while patient net account receivable went up $999,374. The revised statement of operations for the year showed total operating revenues of $24,998,086 with operating expenses of $25,833,638 that showed a loss from operations of $835,552. After tax revenues of $556,309 were added back, the hospital showed a decrease in their net position of $279,243. As has been the case for some years, the hospital’s debt to capitalization is outstanding at only 5.3%, while the net operating margin sunk to a negative 3.3% with a total margin of negative 1.1%. Nyberg went over some accounting changes that may take place next year on valuing fiduciary duties and leases, and for the hospital administration to keep an eye on Medicare and Medicaid changes that could affect reimbursement. Nyberg said BKD provided the hospital an unmodified opinion which is the best that can be given.

The October exhibit at the Ozark National Cultural Resource Center will be centered around Sasquatch or Big Foot. This exhibit will continue through November 1st. The exhibit will feature a life size rendering of Big Foot in his habitat, photos of sightings, as well as newspaper accounts of Sasquatch sightings in Missouri. The ONCRC located at 202 South Main Street will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon. If you need more information, call 729-0029.

An accident happened Friday night in Texas County on Route C about three miles north of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Ford Focus driven southbound by 17-year old Kalee Brazier of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a post. The Ford returned to the roadway and then went off the left side of the road where it struck a telephone pole and fence before the Ford over-turned. Brazier suffered moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. A minor in the car, a ten-year old female from Licking, suffered minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Texas County Memorial Hospital. Brazier was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while the minor was not. The Ford Focus sustained moderate damage and was removed by Jay’s Automotive of Houston.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold a workshop tonight from 6:00 until 7:00 in City Hall Council Chambers at 202 N. Washington. The purpose of the workshop, called by Mayor Brad Nash, will be to hear a summary of the current legal environment for nuisance enforcement, sample best practices for nuisance enforcement and review a tentative list of proposed changes to the Salem nuisance ordinances to adopt best practices. The board will also review a summary of the nuisance survey and set the date for the next workshop if needed. The meeting is open to the public.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00. After the consent agenda, the Board will hear from Gary Brown, Planning and Zoning Chair who will report on the October 14th meeting on Meading and Short Term Rentals. The Board will also hear from City Administrator Ray Walden about events affecting the city including the naming of streets in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. In the introduction and reading of bills and resolutions Resolution #24-2019, is a resolution authorizing the city administrator to execute a lease agreement between the City of Salem and Deere Credit, Inc. for the lease of a 2019 John Deere 444K Model Loader. The Board will also address Bill #3432 which is an ordinance to name streets in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. In new and miscellaneous business the Board will go into closed session to address legal action/attorney client privileges, real estate, personnel and contracts. The board of aldermen meeting tonight at 7:00 is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Thursday night at the district administrative offices. Superintendent John McColloch went over the September membership count for grades Kindergarten through the 12th grade. This September there were 1,365 students which is up from 1,340 students this time last year. William Lynch Elementary Principal Kriste Crocker introduced the kindergarten team at William Lynch who then made a presentation on DACL (Developing Assessment Capable Learners) in front of the board. Each teacher spoke on the great strides that our kindergarten students have made while using DACL. Each building principal went over what was going on in the respective buildings. The board authorized and approved that Superintendent McColluch enter into an agreement with McKinstry, per statute 8.231, for the installation of energy efficient lighting upon a pending Department of Economic Development loan approval in the amount of $281,800. The board then went into closed session where two personnel issues were discussed before the meeting was adjourned.

General highway maintenance and construction work will take place during the two-week period of October 21st through November 1st. The projects listed will include lane closures that could cause traffic delays. Weather conditions may postpone the work schedule. Projects in Dent County include Route H between Highway 72 and Route C where roadside maintenance will take place today through Thursday, October 31st. Roadside work will also be done on Route P between Highway 32 and Dent County Road 5130 today through Thursday. Finally, Route HH between Highway 32 and Dent County Road 6180 will have roadside work taking place today. MoDOT reminds motorists to buckle up, slow down, follow posted signs and drive safely through work areas. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. You can also follow MoDOT’s Central Missouri District on Twitter and Facebook.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2470, 2480, 2490 and 5610. He stated brush would be cut on county road 2460 and a crew would be replacing a crossover pipe and installing a new crossover pipe on Dent County Road 4155. Purcell stated he attended a South Central Community Action Agency meeting on Tuesday and was informed there are still funds available for weatherization and for home repair to make homes more energy efficient and create structural stability. There are income guidelines to qualify for the funds. Those who are interested should call Sarah at 729-3500. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4010 while only grading would be done on county road 2330. He indicated brush would be cut on county road 3250 and a man would be screening brown rock. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that he attended the TAC committee meeting last Thursday where all road construction is done in this region but striping still has to be done on a number of roads. There were also informed that deaths on the roads in the Meramec region are down three from last year and stand currently at 27. He said anyone who would still like a ticket to the MRPC Annual Volunteer Awards Dinner can still call 265-2993, but they would need to do so by today. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she met with risk manager for the insurance group and was told that based on claim experience this year that the workers compensation insurance should go down by about one percent. Salem Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge was in to discuss re-establishing the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board that would hear requests for tax credits for new businesses or expanding current businesses in the area that would mostly create tangible products. She said their terms would all begin in December and the people she recommended to the commission to appoint were Dean Jones from Independent Stave, Dustin Howard from the Bank of Salem, Willie Strader from Farm Bureau Insurance, Jamie Homeyer from VIP properties, Kasey Lucas from the Salem Memorial District Hospital, John McCulloch from the Salem R-80 and Daniel Salyer from Phil-Mart. The commission approved the new board as submitted. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Monday, October 7th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 40000 block of Highway 72. During the course of the traffic stop, a 45-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license suspended for a 2nd or subsequent time. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. On Thursday, October 10th, a deputy conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 block of South Main Street. During the course of the traffic stop, a 36-year-old Salem man was arrested for driving while having his license revoked or suspended, a 1st offense. The man was transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he was fingerprinted, issued a summons and released. That same day while on routine patrol, a deputy recognized a male they knew to have active warrants near a residence in the 1000 block of East Mondy Street. The 33-year-old Salem man was arrested for the active warrants through Dent County and transported to the Dent County Sheriff’s Office where he later posted bond. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the sheriff’s office at 729-3241.

It’s time to start preparing for this year’s Trees and Trains Exhibit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Exhibit entry
forms are now being accepted for this year’s entries with the theme this year being “Miracles on Main Street.” You can pickup you’re an application form at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 South Main or call 729-0029 for more information. This year’s chairman is Judy Thompson and she can be reached at the ONCRC or call 573-578-0682. All exhibit entry forms must be turned in by October 31st! The exhibit will start with an open house on November 17th from 1:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. The exhibit will continue to run through Christmas Eve from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon starting Monday, November 18th. The exhibit will also be open on Saturdays from 9:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon. You will also be able to visit Santa’s Workshop December 7th & 14th.

The Missouri Department of Conservation encourages people to enjoy fall foliage through camping, driving tours, hiking, or even canoeing or floating. Predicting fall color can be difficult, but all regions right now in Missouri are just starting to turn colors. Normally, trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward across the state. This year, almost all the areas are behind their normal levels of change. Although many trees in our region like oak and hickory trees have lost some leaves due to drought stress, flowering dogwoods and black tupelos have started to show some genuine fall color, with leaves of purple and red mottled through the midstory. Virginia creeper is turning shades of scarlet and burgundy, and its vines add patches of color to the woodland floor and lower tree boles. Goldenrods are still in bloom and add lovely shades of gold and yellow to the landscape. You can look at the annual fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The weekly reports include what kinds of trees are turning and some suggestions on the best places to view them in the entire state.

Healthy Dent County and Cahills Construction recently announced “A Night in the French Quarter Masquerade Ball” Casino Night Fundraiser on November 2nd at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Back for its second year, the doors will open at 6:00 in the evening with gaming from 6:30-9:30. The event features game tables much like the ones you will find in a real casino, as well as professional dealers to run the games. Tickets are available for $50 per person or $85 per couple. Event ticket holders will receive $10,000 in gambling money to play the casino games of their choice throughout the evening. Plus if you get your tickets before 4:30 this Friday, you will receive an early bonus of an additional $5,000 in gaming money. Traditional games such as craps, roulette and black jack are available, plus there will be snacks and a cash bar. At the end of the evening, attendees will exchange their gaming money for tickets to win great prizes. The grand prize is a four night stay at La Belle Maison near the New Orleans French Quarter. Other prizes will be an I-Pad, 55 inch Smart TV, three piece wicker outdoor set, St. Louis Blues Hockey Tickets and Missouri Basketball Tickets. Other drawings will be held through the night. Guests are asked to come dressed in their finest Masquerade Ball-themed attire and receive an extra $1,000 in gaming money. Tickets are available at Salem Community Center @ the Armory at 1200 West Rolla Road, Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 4:30 or call them at 729-8163. You can also buy tickets online at
healthydentcountycasinonight2019.eventbrite.com.

A beef cattle artificial insemination school will be held Friday, October 25th from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening and Saturday, October 26th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the Lincoln University Alan T. Busby Farm located at 5124 Goller Road in Jefferson City, Missouri. Classroom and hands-on practice of beef cattle insemination and methodology as well as synchronization techniques and basic reproductive anatomy will be addressed. The fee of $315.00 is due with registration and must be done online by this Friday at http://www.event.com/d/myqtb3/4W or by contacting Livestock Specialist Anita Ellis at 573-642-0755.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Route F at Phelps County Road 3550 Monday evening at 8:15. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado driven westbound by 24-year old Marco Palomar of Rolla traveled off the right side of the roadway and impacted a stop sign and embankment. Palomar suffered moderate injuries and was taken by EMS to Phelps Health. The Silverado sustained extensive damage and was towed from the scene by Ron Dishman’s Towing.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting tonight at 6:00 at the District administrative Offices Boardroom. After the consent agenda is approved and communications, the board will hear from Superintendent John McCulloch with the September membership count and then the board will see a kindergarten presentation. After the building principals give their reports, the board will consider an LED Lighting project before going into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting tonight is open to the public.

Gather down by the millpond at Dillard Mill State Historic Site from 6:00 to 7:00 this Friday night to hear storyteller and author Eric Mansfield present the Ghosts of Dillard Mill. Following this ghostly tale, children will get a chance to break a pumpkin piñata so be sure to bring a sack to fill with goodies. Guest should bring a chair or blanket and insect repellent. Dillard Mill State Historic Site State Park is located at 1142 Dillard Mill Road in Davisville. For more information, call 636-938-7198. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Salem Marching Blue won 1st Place Overall in the Finals of the Ozark Mountain Marching Festival for the first time since it began in 1985. Salem took 1st place in Class C of the preliminary and received awards for music, visual, color guard, percussion and their chuck wagon presentation. They then took first in the finals with a score of 83.4 score and received awards for music, visual and color guard. Congratulations Salem Marching Blue!