Local News

Time is running out for everyone in the Salem Community, or for those who work or have visited Salem to complete an online Community Confidence survey for GRO Salem. The purpose of this survey is to gain an understanding of how community members perceive the Salem community. The goal is to conduct this survey every year and closely monitor the changes from year to year. This is a follow up survey to the one that was done last year and your response will help GRO Salem monitor the changes from the previous year to help develop their strategy for the upcoming year. The data collected will be crucial in helping them understand where the Community and Economic Development efforts are making positive impacts with the general public and where additional efforts need to be expended. Surveys need to be completed by this Friday, May 25th, and your response is appreciated. Let your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or church family in the Salem area know about this survey as the more responses that are 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 at www.facebook.com/GroSalem.MO. You will have to scroll down a bit to find the survey. Your effort is appreciated!

City and county officials, school leaders, emergency management agencies and interested residents are invited to attend a public meeting this afternoon at 2:00 in the Salem City Hall Council Chambers to continue development of the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The county must have an approved hazard mitigation plan in order for Dent County schools, local governments, agencies and others to access state hazard mitigation grant funds. The plan includes an assessment of natural hazards and will establish goals and action items to reduce the impact of natural hazards in the future. Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is developing the plan in partnership with the Dent County Commission. The more people who attend this meeting reduces the cost of the developing the plan to the county.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting Monday night at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. The board received just one bid from Premier Pyrotechnics for $16,000 for the annual fireworks display at The Commons. Mayor Brad Nash will then appoint Beth Atchison to a one-year term on the City of Salem Park and Recreation Board. In the reports of city officials, board and committees, Salem Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon will report on the Park Board meeting held Friday, May 11th that will include a report on their pool visit, the opening ceremony on Thursday, May 24th for participants in the T-Ball, softball and baseball at the City Park, and other business. City Administrator Ray Walden will discuss the Economic Development position search, discuss a policy change to require a plan review for a commercial project before building permits are issued, discuss and review the certificates of occupancy ordinance, and Walden will request the board develop their 2018-2019 goals and priorities. City Attorney Camm Seay wishes to update the city’s ordinances on Planning and Zoning and on dangerous buildings. Mayor Nash will give his report before the board discusses the ordinance to lease The Commons for the 4th of July Fireworks Activities. The board will review a request to purchase liquid chlorine for the pool of $3,120; and also the cost of repairing the Cemetery’s backhoe that should come to about $5,000 by Kyle Wofford who can replace the cylinders. The board may then go into closed session.

The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2017 Memorial Day weekend, there were 15 boating crashes which included seven injuries and one fatality. Two people drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 20 people for boating while intoxicated in 2017. Boating is a great pastime and troopers want everyone to enjoy themselves. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!! Boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit the Patrol’s website at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov. Click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors will conduct their May meeting Tuesday in the hospital library beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda, will be the approval of the minutes from the April 17th meeting. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas will discuss the hospital foundation, give an update on the auxiliary and community marketing as well as give the patient satisfaction survey results for the SMDH emergency department and the SMDH family medicine. In old business the Board will address a budget committee meeting report. During new business the Board will address purchases made for the hospital. The May meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors is open to the public.

The Salem Acoustic Jam will be held Saturday night at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center, formerly the Teachers Closet, at 6:30.Musicians and listeners of all ages and talents are invited and there is no cost. For more information, call 247-0279 or e-mail saac@embarqmail.com.

In just over a week, the renovated Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool in the Salem City Park will re-open to the public beginning at noon on Saturday, May 26th. The pool will be open from noon to 7:00 in the evening Monday through Saturday, and from 1:00 to 6:00 on Sunday. The pool has been changed significantly even though the initial footprint of the pool has not been altered all that much. The pool now offers a zero depth entry with plenty of new features including a dual gator aqua slide, Felipe Frog Aqua Spout, Billy Box Turtle Aqua Spout, a Pools and Fall Play Center, three bubblers, two aqua arches and two jet ways. In the middle section of the pool, there is a new adjustable water basketball goal, a two flume water slide and a brand new feature that only the Salem pool has called an Aqua Zip’N. In the deep end is a one meter diving board and a 16-foot rock climbing wall. All new stainless steel gutters were installed on the pool with a “cool” to the touch grate. Those who are physically challenged will find two ADA lift chairs and a 40-foot walking assist entry into the pool from the zero-depth entry. Four huge “funbrellas” will provide some welcome shade to the area and new loungers have also been purchased to enjoy for those who want to be in the sun. The pool house has been renovated and now has an ADA family changing room, new roof with lighting, new entry way, repainted on the inside and out with a traction paint put on the floor. The concession stand will also have two serving windows for those in or out of the pool who would like to sample the new healthy menu that will be served this year. Those waiting will be shaded with the extension of the new roof inside the pool area. Admission to the pool is $4.00 for children, $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for seniors who are 62-years of age and above. Season Family Passes are available for $150 that includes two adults and two children with an additional charge of $35 per each family member above four. Pool parties are available daily from 7:00 to 9:00 in the evening and from 6:00 to 8:00 on Sundays starting at $150 per hour. Swimming lessons are also available starting June 11th as well as a Water Aerobics Class and lap swimming. To get your season pass, book your pool party, or to reserve a pavilion at the park for your family get-togethers, call Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon at 729-6290 or e-mail him at salemparks@salemmo.com. Pool parties and pavilion rentals are first come, first served.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the courthouse to discuss county business. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Roads 4150 and 4155, while grading only would be done on county roads 4124, 4126, 5420, 5590 and if time permits, 6470. He said another man would be cutting brush on county road 6300. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3020, 3030, 3040, 3050 and 4353. Larson said grading would be also done on county road 4280 and brush would also be cut on that road as well. He went on to say brush would be cut on county road 4270 and materials would be added to Dent County Road 3160. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting where they approved the grant packet for recycling that will become available around July 1st. There was a discussion on recycling prices in the United States and that it is becoming more expensive to recycle and there is even less money being given for recycled items at this time. Skiles said that on June 9th from 8:00 until noon at the Brewer Science parking lot in Rolla, there will be an electronics, appliance and tire collection. There will be charges for all types of TVs, computer monitors and tires. Skiles also reported on the County Commissioner Association of Missouri meeting in Jefferson City. He said that it appears the per diem the county gets back on prisoners is not going to change, and it also appears the legislature is going to change the juvenile age to 18. If that does happen, that will affect the costs of the juvenile court system that falls back on the counties to fund. Skiles went on to say the CCAM retreat where they put together the annual training will be held this year at Echo Bluff State Park starting July 31st and lasting through August 2nd. Terry Baker from Dent County Road 2083 came in to find out what it would take to close part of the county road that dead ends on his property. Commissioner Larson will get with Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley to get all the details of the procedures and get them to him. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

City and county officials, school leaders, emergency management agencies and interested residents are invited to attend a public meeting at 2:00 on Monday, May 21st to continue development of the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The meeting will be held in the Salem City Hall Council Chambers located at 202 N. Washington Street in Salem. The focus of this meeting will be to review the remaining draft chapters of the plan. An overview of each completed chapter will be discussed. Those in attendance will be able to suggest edits and ask questions during the meeting. The county must have an approved hazard mitigation plan in order for Dent County schools, local governments, agencies and others to access state hazard mitigation grant funds. The plan includes an assessment of natural hazards and will establish goals and action items to reduce the impact of natural hazards in the future. Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) is developing the plan in partnership with the Dent County Commission. Questions may be directed to MRPC Environmental Programs Specialist Ryan Dunwoody at rdunwoody@meramecregion.org or 573-265-2993.

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will have a blood drive today at Salem Wood Products at 200 Stave Mill Road. O-Negative and B Negative blood types are at less than one day reserve, but all blood types are needed. You must weigh 110 pounds, be in good health and bring a photo ID to give blood.

An accident occurred Wednesday morning at 2:40 in Iron County on Route KK about three miles south of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 Ford F-150 driven southbound by 42-year old David Lunsford, II of Boss, went off the roadway, overturned and struck a tree. Lunsford suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. It was not known if Lunsford was wearing a seat restraint when the accident occurred. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney’s Wrecker of Viburnum.

The Salem 133rd Graduation exercises will be held Friday night at 7:00 at the Salem High School Football Field. For the Class of 2018, a total of 142 seniors are expected to receive their diplomas. At the ceremony, there will be performances by the Salem High School Band and Chamber Singers. Assistant Principal Richard Parks will present the senior Class Citizenship Awards and the best all-around Boys and Girl Award. Four Salutatorians will speak and they are Gregory Headrick, Sarah Parker, Madison Shaw, & Savanna Tuttle. Following the Salutatorian speeches, eight Valedictorians will delivery their speeches. The eight Valedictorians are Baylee Bilyeu, Nathaniel Bray, Cory Gamblin, Matthew Jessen, Richard Parks, Aubrey Schmit, Jacob Stacy, & Dawson Wynn. The A+ students will be recognized as well as those students who are entering the military. The diplomas will then be presented to the graduating class to conclude the ceremony. The 2018 Graduation exercises will be outside unless there are adverse weather conditions. If that would be the case, the exercises would be moved inside the high school gym. If you can’t make it to the commencement, you can watch it live on Fidelity Local 6 or HD 406, or you can stream the ceremony live on www.fidelitylocal6.com. You can also find times the ceremony will be rebroadcast on Fidelity Local 6 or HD 406 at www.fidelitylocal6.com.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways will host a special celebration of the historic Akers community on Saturday and Sunday in partnership with the Shannon County Museum and Ozark Heritage Project. Everyone is invited to attend this event, which will highlight the rich history of the upper Current River. On Saturday, a local Current River bluegrass band will provide entertainment at the Akers Visitor Center from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tiny’s Hillbilly BBQ will be on hand so that visitors can enjoy an evening meal on the banks of the Current River while listening to the music. A dutch oven cooking demonstration will be conducted as well. Participants are encouraged to explore all the nearby historic sites, including Akers Ferry, Mt Zion Church, Devils Well, Howell-Maggard Cabin and Welch Spring. Rangers will be available at Akers Visitor Center to provide information and directions for seeing those areas. On Sunday, activities will begin at 11:00 that morning with a special service at the Mt. Zion Church, located one-half mile north of Akers Ferry on Route K. At noon, everyone will gather at the Akers Visitor Center to enjoy a picnic lunch, a bluegrass open jam session with local musicians, and stories about life on the upper Current River from descendants of local families. Those with a connection to the Akers community will have an opportunity to share memories with everyone in attendance. At 2:00 Sunday afternoon, they will kick-off the 2018 Current River Canoe Race with a short paddle from Welch Spring to Akers. A brief visit to the Howell-Maggard Cabin will be included during the paddle. Everyone’s welcome to attend! For more information about this event, call (573) 323-8093.

In closed session Tuesday night, the Salem R-80 Board of Education employed Shannon Phelps to instruct Kindergarten through 5th grade music; hired Melanie Smith to teach 3rd grade; employed Tyler McConnell to teach High School English; and hired Carilee Ball as a Psychological Examiner. The board also employed Rockey Wade as a middle school football coach and Bryan Carty as an assistant varsity football coach. They also discussed a personnel issue before adjourning.

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

An accident occurred Monday evening in Phelps County on eastbound I-44 at the 181.2 mile marker. According to the Highway Patrol Report a 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora, driven by 23 year-old Bethany Ferguson of St. James, traveled off the right side of the roadway causing it to overturn. As a result Ferguson and the passenger, 40-year-old Brandt Wilson, also of St. James, were both ejected from the vehicle before it came to rest. Ferguson suffered serious injuries, while Wilson suffered moderate injuries. Both individual were transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Phelps County Ambulance. The report stated that neither person was wearing their safety restraint. The Oldsmobile was removed from the scene by C & C Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released more reports. On Saturday, May 5th, at approximately 11:47 in the morning an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of West Dent in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a kayak and paddle valued at $450.00. The report is under investigation. Then on Monday, May 7th, at about 4:28 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of South Tower in reference to a domestic assault. That investigation revealed that a 37-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 30-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for fourth degree assault. The suspect was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. That night at approximately 9:47, an officer attempted to stop an all-terrain vehicle near Rolla and Hickory. After a pursuit of the all-terrain vehicle, it was stopped and the driver located near Highway 32 and Hickory Street. The driver was taken into custody for driving while having his license suspended and numerous traffic violations. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. On Tuesday morning, May 8th, at 6:21, an officer located a 34-year old female of Salem near Park and Third Street who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. That afternoon at approximately 1:00, an officer was dispatched to Country Mart in reference to a bad check. The investigation of the report revealed a 38-year old female of Salem cashed a fraudulent check for $2,240.70. The report is under investigation. On Wednesday, May 9th, at 4:26 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 23-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $17.97. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an investigation ongoing or previously mentioned.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education met Tuesday night at the District Administrative Offices. Principal Kriste Crocker wanted to remind parents that pre-school enrollment for today is full and there some spots open for the Thursday enrollment. Call the school at 729-6611 and children must be three years of age by August 1st to be a part of the Tiger Tots program. Also the kindergarten graduation will be at 10:00 this Friday morning at the City Hall Auditorium. Upper Elementary Principal Melanie Wisdon reported her summer school classes are full at 30 students each with a waiting list of about 13 students. Middle School Principal Scott Roberts congratulated Makayla McBride for winning the SMS Art Show’s Student Choice Award, Teacher and Staff Award, and the Principal’s Choice Award with her work entitled “Night Water.” High School Principal Marty Anderson said 51% of the students were exempt from finals this year, that there were only two fights all year after Salem averaged 10 per year for the last five years, and he said there will be a Workkeys Platinum Wall initiated at thew high school. Anderson reported that Mackenzie Whitaker will be the next Board of Education Student Liaison for the 2018-2019 year. The board approved the appointment of Drew Whitaker as Treasurer of the Board. The board approved to continue to be a partner of Healthy Dent County with a $10,000 contribution and approved the Professional Development Plan. Superintendent John McColloch stated that Salem will again qualify for Community Eligible Provisions which means that all kids will eat free again next year. Meal prices suggested for adults were $2.25 for breakfast and $3.75 for lunch and they were approved by the board. The board approved a preliminary budget that included $12,803,264 in revenues and $12,781,624 in expenditures. Increase in expenditures included about $27,000 for insurance, $6,000 for increased bandwidth and $115,000 for the construction trades program that is privately funded which means it is an “in and out” fund. Not part of the budget was the $400,000 cost for the new locker room at the football field. The board approved the purchase of a 2019 Thomas 77 passenger school bus for $88,470, and approved putting bus #2, some projectors, two TV’s and more into the surplus to sell. The items will be advertised in the Salem News and be put on the salemr80.org website. McColloch did a study on the base salary over the last ten years and found that from 2009-2015, the base rate only went up $250, and in the last two years, the base has increased $1,000. To stay competitive with other districts, McColloch recommended a raise of $350 to the base salary for the 2018-2019 year and that brings the starting salary to $31,600. Support staff will also see about a two percent increase in salary, and these raises will cost the school district about $100,000 in additional payroll. The board approved the bank bid from the Bank of Salem, and approved the bid from CDW for 520 Chromebooks for $230.97 per Chromebook for a total of $120,104.40. The board accepted the resignation of special education teacher Sara Reed from William Lynch before going into closed session.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Monday morning at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5600, 6040, 6210 and 6460, while brush would be cut on county road 6320. Purcell stated he would have a man screening brown rock at the shed. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2110, 4283, 4285 and 4287. He also said materials would be added and grading done on county road 3080 while brush would be cut on Dent County Road 4280. Larson did say he was sending a man to Springfield to get oil for the Dura-Patcher. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he would be attending the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Executive Board meeting today, and he would be attending the County Commissioners Association of Missouri Board meeting in Jefferson City on Wednesday. Skiles stated the final Hazard Mitigation meeting will be held May 21st at 2:00 at the Salem City Hall Council Chambers. The commissioners then approved the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Dent and the City of Salem in regards to the transfer of ownership of the designated areas of Iron and Water Street from the city to the county for the jail project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported on her meeting Thursday and Friday at the 2018 Urban Board Conference. This conference works to make Missouri elections better. At 10:00, the county held a budget hearing for the creation of a CDBG grant fund to account for the grant that was awarded to the Dent County Fire Protection District. The budget hearing provided a new budget for the county for the CDBG grant that has anticipated revenues of $350,000 and expected appropriations of $350,000. The board approved the adjustment to the county budget. The board also approved the bid from the Bank of Salem for the lease/purchase of two new John Deere graders for $169,155.24 for 2.95% and no additional preparation fees. The bid was for a one-year lease with the option for four additional one-year leases at the same interest rate. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting this evening at 6:00 at the district administrative board room. On the proposed agenda, the agenda will be approved. After the consent agenda, the principals from William Lynch, the upper elementary, middle school and the senior high will give reports. In new business, the board will need to select a treasurer before considering renewing their association with Healthy Dent County renewal. The board is expected to approve the Professional Development Plan for 2018-2019 school year, approve meal prices for the 2018-2019 school year, approve a preliminary 2018-2019 budget and consider bus purchases. The board will approve the surplus property list, discuss bank bids, consider a salary schedule, increase and approve the purchase of Chromebooks. The board will then hear any resignations before going into executive session to discuss personnel. The regular meeting of the Salem R-80 School Board of Education is open to the public.

Route A in Dent and Shannon Counties will be reduced to one lane while Missouri Department of Transportation crews perform pavement repairs. This section of road is located from the Bunker City limits in Dent County to Highway 19 in Shannon County. Weather permitting, this work will take place tomorrow and Thursday from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon each day. The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area. For additional information, contact MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

Preschool enrollment at the William Lynch Elementary School will be held Wednesday, May 16th and Thursday, May 17th. Parents interested in the “Tiger Tots” program should call the office to schedule an appointment at 729-6611. Children who will be three by August 1st of this year are potential candidates for Tiger Tots.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board met Friday evening at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, Park and
Recreation Director Tye Lydon announced the pool and splash pad would be opening on Saturday, May 26th for the Memorial Day weekend. Lydon said he has purchased three laptop computers that are now loaded with a point of sale system to track the inventory for the pool and baseball concessions. He said he will hold opening ceremonies at the Salem City Park for the Baseball, Softball and T-Ball program on May 24th where the players will be announced, get their picture taken and then enjoy free hot dog or hamburger. He said a total of 404 children signed up for Baseball, Softball and T-Ball program. That season will begin on Tuesday, May 29th. The board was asked to discuss the possibility of a group discount for the use of the pool. After a long discussion, the board elected not to offer any discounts this year for groups due to many unknown factors including electric and water costs, increase in labor with more lifeguards needed, and trying not to exceed the pool capacity. Following information from this year, the board will revisit the topic for the 2019 season. The board then toured the new splash pad, the pool and pool house before the meeting was adjourned.

An accident happened Saturday evening at 6:15 on Highway 19 about a mile south of Eminence that took the life of a woman from Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Cadillac CTS driven northbound by 20-year old Hailey Barton of Eminence, went off the right side of the roadway and overturned, ejecting Barton from the Cadillac. Shannon County Coroner Tim Denton pronounced Barton dead at the scene and the body was taken to the Duncan Funeral Home in Eminence. Barton was not wearing a seatbelt when the accident happened. The Cadillac was totaled and removed from the scene by Sartin’s. The highway patrol was assisted by the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department.

An accident happened at 6:35 Friday night in Texas County on Reed Road about a mile south of Licking. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Chevy Malibu driven westbound by 78-year old Mary Hood of Licking, began backing up and struck 28-year old Casey Myrick, a pedestrian on private property. Myrick suffered minor injuries and was transported by a private vehicle to the Texas County Memorial District Hospital. There was no damage to the Malibu and it was driven from the scene.

Patrick McCoy, former Salem High School Basketball guard and better known as “Patch” by his teammates and coaches, was selected to join the Fontbonne University Athletic Department’s Hall of Fame on Saturday. McCoy combined for 1,480 points in his career with the Griffins and that currently ranks him 6th all time. He also ranks first in consecutive free throws made (42), was named the 2007 SLIAC All-Tournament Most Valuable Player, is a two-time SLIAC All-Conference Second Team honoree and picked a 2005-06 SLIAC All-Conference Honorable Mention award. Overall, McCoy appeared in 102 games, shot 43.4% from the floor, drained 242 3-pointers and hit 223 free throws. McCoy accounted for 326 rebounds, 417 assists and averaged 14.5 points per game. Congratulations “Patch” on receiving this honor!

The City of Salem Annual Water Quality Report has been released and there were no violations that occurred for the calendar year 2017. All levels of contaminants found were lower than required by government regulations. If you would like to see the City of Salem Annual Water Quality Report, a copy can be found at the City of Salem Administration Building at 4th and Iron Streets, at the Water Department Office or at the KSMO Radio studios.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Thursday evening, May 3rd, at approximately 7:07, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 44-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $26.47. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that evening at approximately 7:21, an officer located a 23-year old male of Salem at Wal-Mart 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. The next morning at approximately 9:13, an officer was dispatched to the area of East Third Street in reference to a small child walking in traffic. During the investigation of the report, the officer located a 4-year old male juvenile on Third Street. The child was taken into protective custody and the parent was located. The mother, a 20-year old female of Salem, was taken into custody for endangering the welfare of a child and possession of marijuana. The suspect was released pending the application for criminal summonses. Later that morning at approximately 11:00, an officer was detailed to Heartland Metal Finishing in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a battery powered drill valued at $78.00. The report is under investigation. Also on Friday, May 4th at approximately 2:15 in the afternoon, an officer was conducting a narcotics investigation near Highway 32 and Orchard Street. During the investigation, a 33-year old male of Salem was found to be in possession of marijuana. The suspect was released pending the application for a warrant. Please contact the Salem Police at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

To all William Lynch Elementary and Upper Elementary School Parents: You are invited to the Salem R-80 Annual Title I Evaluation Meeting. They value your input about the programs they are offering your children. Please join them in the William Lynch Elementary Gym this Wednesday at 3:30.

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce have announced the four $25 gift certificate winners from the National Small Business Week promotion and they were Joan Sample, Kenneth Leonard, Sally Lonning and Dustin Dering. The winners can chose one of four $25 gift certificates the chamber will purchase from our Small Business Chamber Members. Thanks to Fidelity Communications for donating tee shirts that were given out to each person turning in a receipt from one of our small businesses.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. Dent County Clerk Denita Williams reported on the sales tax receipts from the state this month. She stated that year-to-date, the General Revenue Fund sales tax receipts are up $56,309.75 which comes to an increase of 16.9% over last year. The money received for General Revenue in May came in at $49,950.54. Last May, the county received from the state $52,699.28 for General Revenue. For the Road and Bridge Fund, receipts from the state in May were $23,762.15 which was down from collections last May of $25,718.67. Year-to-date the Road and Bridge fund is up $18,966.64 and that is about a 12.3% increase. The sales tax receipts from the state for May for the two jail funds combined came in at $47,171.49. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4185, 5110 and 5600. Purcell indicated brush would be cut on county roads 6040 and 6490. He also said a man went to retrieve ultimate paving materials for chip and seal repair. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3080, 3090, 3193, 3195 and 4350. He went to say materials would be added to county road 5228 and spread out by the county crews, while materials would be added and grading done on county road 2200. He did say brush would be cut on county road 4280. Larson wanted the public to know the county crews will be out the next two weeks getting the roads to cemeteries in the county ready for the Memorial Day weekend. He also went on to say that he and Commissioner Purcell attended the City of Salem Vision 2040 meeting Monday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended a Public Housing Agency meeting in St. James and also an MRPC meeting Thursday in St. James. The commissioners decided to solicit bids to provide the labor and all necessary repair work for the replacement of the courthouse windows on the third floor. The windows will be provided. The bid specs will be available in the county clerk’s office. The bids must be submitted by June 4th before 10:00 to the county clerk’s office and the bids will be opened at 10:30 that morning at the courthouse. The commission also decided to solicit bids for the removal and replacement of the carpet in the courthouse courtroom and all related facilities. The carpet must be of commercial grade. The bids specs for the carpet removal and replacement will also be available in the county clerk’s office. Those bids must be submitted to the county clerk’s office by 10:00 Monday, June 4th as the commissioners will open the bids in their office at 10:00 on Monday, June 4th. At the last meeting, the commissioners heard from Jonathan Williams from EPM who came in to discuss utility savings through the EPM computerized temperature control system. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Monday morning at the courthouse and it is open to the public.

The City of Salem wants to remind city residents another Spring Clean Up Week will begin on Monday, May 14th on your regular trash day. 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, mulch landscape timbers 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. If you have any questions, call the City of Salem Administrative Offices at 729-4811.

An accident happened at 12:10 Wednesday afternoon in Phelps County on Highway 63 about three miles south of Edgar Springs. According to the highway patrol report, a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis driven northbound by 18-year old Megan Karnes of Edgar Springs, attempted to avoid an animal in the roadway and the Mercury traveled off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and a tree. Megan Karnes suffered moderate injuries while her 16-year old sister, Mianna Karnes suffered serious injuries. Both were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Neither girl was wearing a seat restraint at time of the accident. The Mercury Grand Marquis was totaled and removed from the scene by Lucas Garage in Edgar Springs.

The Meramec State Park invites the public to its annual open house and public meeting 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, May 12th. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. Park staff will be available to provide information about the park and answer questions. The meeting will be held in the park’s visitor center. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings, which are being held in all state parks and historic sites, help create a two-way communication with the public. The meetings give park staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. The Meramec State Park is located at 115 Meramec Park Drive in Sullivan. For more information about the open house and public meeting or about other events at the park, call 573-468-6072.

In a press release from the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, 46-year old Brian Naber of Salem has been charged with a Class E felony of sexual conduct with a prisoner by an employee of a jail. Naber was a probationary detention employee of Crawford County at the time of the incident. According to the release, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office received information about Naber engaging in potentially inappropriate interactions with recently released inmates on April 27th. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division then began an investigation into these allegations, plus there was an internal investigation regarding policy violations that had occurred. After the investigation, Naber was arrested by a Crawford County detective along with the assistance of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail on a $25,000 cash only bond. Naber was also terminated from his job at the Crawford County jail.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Highway 68 about a mile north of Route F Tuesday afternoon at 4:10. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Honda Motorcycle driven westbound by 21-year old Daniel Steen of Concordia, Missouri, failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a sign. Steen and a passenger on the bike, 20-year old Kayla Bruemmer of Fair Grove, Missouri, suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Both were wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Honda sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

The Salem Park Board will meet this Friday evening at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The board will  go over the previous meeting minutes and approve the agenda. The meeting will also include a report from Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon along with a pool tour for the board and any other business of interest brought before the meeting is adjourned.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Phelps County Public Housing Agency Family Self-Sufficiency program will host a free workshop from 10:00 in the morning until noon this Friday in St. James on “Kids and Self Esteem” at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James. The workshop is designed to help parents understand how to build up children’s self-esteem and how important it is for the parents to model that self-esteem in themselves for the kids to see. Christy Saylor, the Missouri Ozarks Community Action (MOCA) county projects coordinator, will be presenting the workshop. Free training classes are a part of the efforts to help prepare families by making them aware of the resources available to assist with self-sufficiency. Workshops are offered at no cost to the participants. For more information or to RSVP, contact Savannah Vandegriffe at 573-265-4200 ext. 132. Each participant meeting income qualifications will receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card.

Rural Missourians can save money on energy bills with help from University of Missouri Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. MU Extension specialist Willard Downs says USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps Missourians lower costs through energy audits, financing and grants. Farmers who earn at least 50 percent of their income from agriculture and small businesses in eligible rural areas qualify. MU REAP audits cost only $112.50 which is a savings of thousands over standard energy audit costs and it will show wasteful energy systems. Auditors figure savings and suggest changes for all or part of an operation. MU Extension helps with the first step of the program: a full farm or business energy audit. Audits show which upgrades provide the largest savings in the long term. Audits are necessary to qualify for the second step: the financial incentives through REAP’s loans and grants program for renewable-energy systems and energy-efficiency improvement. USDA offers funds to buy, install and build renewable energy systems or improve existing systems. REAP makes loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. Grants can fund up to 25 percent of eligible project costs. Combined grant and loan funding can be up to 75 percent of eligible project costs. Loans range from $5,000 to $25 million, with loan guarantees up to 85 percent. Borrowers and lenders negotiate loan rates, which are subject to USDA approval. Grants range from $2,500 to $500,000 for renewable-energy systems and $1,500 to $250,000 for energy-efficiency grants. USDA is offering funds now though March 2019. This is the third generation of the REAP project. During the 2010-2013 MAESTRO Program, more than 200 audits were performed and 153 agricultural operations installed energy-saving systems. To learn more about MU Extension energy audits, visit the MU REAP website at REAP.missouri.edu, or contact MU REAP at mufsbreap@missouri.edu or 573-882-2731. You may also contact the USDA Rural Development state office at 573-876-9321, or your local MU Extension center.

A reminder that if you have a school aged child who will be participating in sports in 2018, they can get a FREE comprehensive sports physicals through Friday, May 11th at Salem Family Medicine on the campus of SMDH. 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 today, and from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday. Please call 729-8000 to schedule your time.

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.