Local News

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas introduced Ashley Sullins, the Director of Home Health who gave her report for the time period of April through September. She said she has two full-time RN’s and a full time LPN in her department. In the surveys received, Home Health graded out with an 87% in overall rating of care, 83% in the likelihood of being recommended, received an 86% rating in the care of patients and 94.4% in the timeliness of admissions. Home Health had income for the April through September period of $386,791 and showed an excess of revenues over expenses of $129,785. Sullins showed the star ratings and patient satisfaction for all the home health agencies in the surrounding area and only SMDH and Home Health of the Ozarks received the top score of 5. In the summary of operations for the month of October, the hospital had 119 inpatient admissions with 356 inpatient census days. Patients per day in Acute Care came in at 11.5 in October. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $173,542 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $174,841. Cash decreased for the month by $228,880, and the days in net account receivables rose to 61 from 59 days last month. It was noted that accounts receivable rose during the month as the billing process was three weeks behind at the beginning of the month, but the coders have caught up and are just three days out. During the month, there were 808 emergency room visits to go with 245 ambulance runs with 173 patients being assessed, 27 surgery cases, 2,053 outpatient registrations, 341 home health visits, 11,597 lab tests, 1,366 radiological procedures and 790 rehab treatments. Chief of Nursing Debbie Hines gave the updated report on the Quality Improvement Program where the hospital is focusing on two areas: Transitions of Care and Patient Safety. The Hospital Auxiliary met and had eight members present where they discussed fundraisers for the 2019 season. Their next meeting will be December 4th at JB Malones at noon and it is “Bring a Friend” Day. The Hospital Foundation will begin selling table sponsorships for the “Dancing with the Salem Stars” at $300 per table. Hospital COO Chris Strickland said he would begin sending out mailers and e-mails to sponsors for the golf tournament to be held in June. The next meeting of the Foundation Board will be November 28th. Strickland went on to report that in October a total of 30 free mammograms were completed and a total of over 180 have been done since September 1st. He said the hospital will be heavily involved in the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon this Saturday, is working on Project Rise with Healthy Dent County, handed out candy on Halloween, and had a very good visit with the PCRMC Dent Clinic personnel showing them the services available at SMDH. The board approved the medical staff recommendation for active staff privileges for Hatem Hamed, MD, and approved the purchase of a new Video Tower Machine from Olympus Corp of America for the Surgery Department for $66,207. The board was made aware that the Long-Term Care State Survey plan of correction had been submitted and approved, and the next Board of Directors meeting would be held December 11th at noon. They also said election filing for District 6 will be held from December 11th to January 15th. This is the position currently held by George Gruendel. The board then went into closed session.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that deer hunters in Missouri harvested 99,567 deer during the opening weekend of the November portion of the fall firearms deer season. Of the 99,567 deer harvested, 55,887 were antlered bucks, 9,573 were button bucks, and 34,107 were does. Top harvest counties for opening weekend were Franklin with 2,057 deer checked, Callaway with 1,971, and Benton County with 1,875. Dent County had 764 antlered bucks checked, 163 button bucks and 602 does for a total of 1,529 deer harvested. Last year, statewide, hunters checked a total 94,886 deer during the opening weekend of the 2017 November portion of firearms deer season. The November portion of fall firearms deer seasons continues through November 20th. Archery deer season opens again November 21st through January 15th, 2019. The late youth portion runs November 23rd through the 25th. The alternative methods portion runs December 22nd through January 1st, 2019.

The Salem Public Library “Food for Fines” Food Drive continues through this Saturday, November 17th. Patrons have the opportunity to wipe out library fines and hunger simultaneously! The Library will collect nonperishable food items such as can goods or packaged food products. The library will forgive $1 in fines for each item donated up to a total of $5. The food collected will be given to St. Vincent de Paul through Sacred Heart Catholic Church for distribution. Again, the food will be collected and fines forgiven only through this Saturday, November 17th.

You can learn how to crochet this Friday night at the Creative Arts Center from 6:30 to 8:30 with Kathy O’Dell. The cost is $25 per person which covers all the materials and you can make your reservations at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center or reserve your spot by calling 247-0279.

The Salem Park Board met Thursday, November 8th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Salem Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon gave his report that said Flag Football had 100 kids participate with the Bank of Salem and SMDH sponsoring the shirts. Lydon said the league went pretty well but feels he will need to hire high school kids to work the 1st down chains during the games. He said the fall co-ed softball league had eight teams and said he would be hiring umpires prior to the season next year. Lydon said basketball signups are complete and there are 133 youth signed up for the program and that is more than last year. The league will start on December 1st and last until the Saturday before Christmas. He said the teams are all co-ed and there are seven teams from grades 1 and 2, five teams for grades 3 and 4 and three teams for grades 5 and 6. Lydon said he had a new program called “Start Smart Sports” and this is a child and parent program for soccer, basketball, as well as baseball and softball. This program is an instructional program where the child will get hands on and practical instruction and also be provided with some of the equipment and/or a ball with the signup fee. The board approved looking into the program further. Lydon gave an update on the pool and said it was winterized and that the concrete walks to each dugout at the fields has been completed. The board approved applying for an LWCF Grant for the soccer field in December and that is now a 50-50 grant, and he will work on getting a CDBG grant for the handicapped accessibility at the Al Brown Fields in February. Lydon presented to the Park Board the Summer Activity Report that showed all the direct income and expenses from all the summer programs at the city park. After an electrical department adjustment, the water sports (pool and splash pad) lost a total of $325. All the other programs showed a profit and Park and Rec Department made about $22,000 from all the programs. Again, this was for DIRECT PROGRAM costs only, and did not include the field preparation, maintenance, overhead and Tye’s salary. President Stan Podorski updated the board on the TAP grant and that the city has extended the grant until August of 2019. A meeting was held to discuss the sidewalk trail placement at the Salem Community Center’s entrance way and along the top of the hill rather than near the field. It will cost an additional $3,000 as Archer did not follow the Park Board’s recommendation when preparing plans for MoDOT. The board was also given an updated timeline on the bidding out and completion schedule. Podorski also presented the park board members an update on the current budget four months into the year that showed a deficit balance of $72,001 which was mostly due to a payment made on the pool and bathhouse that he was wasn’t expecting until the spring. Overall, he said the winter months sales tax will accumulate as the expenses will be minimal so the budget for the fiscal year is right on track. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular meeting at 6:00 Thursday evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch with a report on parent teacher conferences, a construction update, long range facility plan, and National FFA presentation. The school board will review and approve all previous minutes and bills, approve the attendance report, approve the Food Service report, approve the substitute list, and approve Program Evaluations for library/media program and special education. After the Principals Building Reports, the board is expecting to approve the auditors report and set board election filing date. The meeting will adjourn and move into an executive session. The regular monthly meeting of the Salem R-80 Board of Education is open to the public

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Salem present “The Wonder of Christmas Morning” parade of lights Saturday December 1st. Entry Forms are currently available at the Salem Chamber of Commerce office and must be returned no later than November 26th. Entry forms can be dropped off at the Chamber office at 200 South Main Street, faxed to 573-729-6741 or emailed to chamber@salemmo.com.

The Salem Quiz Bowl Team started the season this past Saturday with a 1st place finish in the Houston Invitational Tournament. Salem played nine games and took wins in eight of them. Salem and Kickapoo at the end of the day each had only one defeat, but Salem took the championship on the basis of more game points earned in the tournament. Two Salem players finished in the top ten players of the tournament and received medals: senior Arley Gale took the 5th place individual medal while junior Katrina Parks took home the 8th place individual medal. Also on the Salem Quiz Bowl team were sophomore Martin Jones and freshman Nate Darby. Salem will host their annual home tournament on November 17th. The Salem Quiz Bowl Teams are coached by Susan Sheeley and Will Hubbs.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources invites the public to review and offer written comments on a draft hazardous waste permit modification for the Doe Run Company’s Buick Resource Recovery Facility starting this evening, November 13th and lasting until Monday, November 26th. The department will be holding a public meeting and public hearing about the draft permit modification tonight at the Quad County Firehouse, located at 80 Highway 49 in Viburnum. The meeting will begin at 6:00 and is an opportunity for the public to ask questions, share information and discuss issues with facility and department staff. The public hearing will follow the public meeting this evening starting at 7:00. At the hearing, members of the public can have their comments about the draft permit modification entered into the official record. The department will not answer questions at the hearing but will provide responses in writing, along with any written comments submitted during the public comment period. Written comments and oral public hearing testimony are treated with equal consideration. Buick is currently operating at the site under a department-issued Missouri Hazardous Waste Management Facility Part I Permit. This permit allows Buick to store and disassemble the spent lead-acid batteries, which are classified as toxic and corrosive hazardous waste. On May 3rd, 2017, Buick submitted a permit modification request to the department, requesting to modify its Part I Permit to add a seventh cell to the landfill, increasing the overall storage capacity by approximately 146,000 cubic yards. The landfill is a phased development and currently permitted for six cells. The operational life of the entire landfill was originally planned for more than 20 years; however, current practices at the facility are rapidly using the amount of permitted storage capacity. The department previously approved temporary authorization requests for Buick to build and temporarily use Cell 7. After a thorough technical review of the permit modification request, the department prepared a draft of the proposed Part I Permit modification for the Buick facility. The draft permit modification proposes to allow Buick to continue using Cell 7 after the temporary authorization expires December 5th, 2018.

An accident happened in Dent County at 9:40 Monday morning at the intersection of Highway 19 and Dent County Road 5080. According to the highway patrol report, a 1992 Kenworth T600A driven northbound by 74-year old Lonnie Southards of Salem, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a road sign and overturned. Southard suffered minor injuries and as taken by a private vehicle to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The Kenworth was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler and Towing. Southards was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

Salem Area Chamber of Commerce members are welcome to place a promotional booth at the Heroes Marathon Pasta Party this Friday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory, the night before the race from 4:30 until 7:30!! It will be a great opportunity to showcase your business at no cost to you. You can go to www.heroesmarathon.com/vendor and register your space. You can also call or text Marilyn Sweitzer at 247-3005 or Shawn Bolerjack at 453-8088 for more information or details. The deadline to register to have your booth at this event is this Wednesday.

MK Legal Planning is hosting a seminar at the Main Street Café in Salem this Thursday evening at 5:30. This event is free to the public and dinner will be provided at no charge. Please make your reservation by calling MK Legal Planning at (573) 578-2848 or visiting their Facebook page @MKLegalPlanning. Attendees will learn how to avoid a huge financial and emotional nightmare for their loved ones in the event of their death or incapacity. The seminar is being presented by Attorney Michele Kelsaw and accountant Larry Gray will be available to answer your questions about the best way to pass on assets to your loved ones, keeping your family out of court and conflict, what a will does & does not do, the use of trusts as planning tools, and tax issues regarding trusts and inheritance. There is no better time than RIGHT NOW to start planning.

The Salem Police department has released some reports for the first part of November. On November 1st at approximately 7:15 that evening, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 30-year-old female of Boss for stealing merchandise valued at $23.23. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. On November 2nd at about 2:55 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 36-year-old female of Salem had assaulted a 50-year-old female of Salem in the 1000 block of West Highway 32. The report is under investigation. At 11:31 the evening of November 3rd, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of West Franklin in reference to a fight in progress. That investigation led to the arrest of a 25-year-old male of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. On Sunday, November 4th near 5:35 in the evening, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of South Hickory in reference to property damage. That investigation revealed a 12-year-old male juvenile of Salem had damaged the siding on a shed by shooting a BB gun at it. Further investigation led to the detention of the juvenile who was later released to a parent. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. On Monday, November 5th at 7:24 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to Scenic Rivers Industries in reference to a stolen vehicle. Investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a white 1996 Ford F-150 truck valued at $3,000.00. The report is under investigation. Later that same morning at about 10:30, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a stolen license plate. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a license plate from a white 1995 Ford F-150 truck that was parked in the 600 block of North Henderson. The report is under investigation. Also on Monday, November 5th at about 1:00 in the afternoon, an officer transported a 30-year-old female of Waynesville from Pulaski County Jail to Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Wednesday morning, November 7th at about 8:14, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 39-year-old female of Edgar Springs for possession of a controlled substance. The suspect was released pending an application for a criminal summons. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital Board of Directors regular meeting will be held Tuesday evening, November 13th, at 6:00. The Annual Hospital Audit Report is to be reviewed followed by the approval of the minutes of the minutes of the October 16th meeting. Administrator Kasey Lucas will give a summary of operations and statistics for the month of October, Debbie Hines will present the Chief Nursing Officer report, and Chris Strickland will give a report on the hospital foundation and auxiliary, along with a report on marketing and community perception discussion. Old business to be discussed includes Long Term Care State Survey and set the December meeting date for the 11th at noon. New business is expected to include election filing for District #6 which begins December 11th and ends January 15th, 2019, and review of purchases. The board may then go into closed session. The regular meeting of the Salem Memorial District Hospital is open to the public.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. After an approval of the consent agenda, the bills for the month of October were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed. The budget showed a general revenue balance at the end of October of $115,129.04. The capital improvement account from Progressive Ozark Bank has a balance of $16,880.75 as of the end of October. The Dent County Emergency Response account, has a balance of $349.55 as of the end of October. All other accounts balanced and are on track with previous years. In the calendar review, sign ups for the toy drive will be on Monday, November 26th and Thursday, November 29th with the distribution of the toys occurring on Wednesday, December 19th. The monthly reimbursement report was presented for October and it showed a total of 10 calls for the month. In October, there were two structure fire calls, a brush fire call, three first responder calls, seven vehicle accident calls, one mutual aid call with the Jadwin Fire Department, two trainings, and one call classified as “other”.

There has been 238 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $115.62. The department costs to date submitted for reimbursement is $27,517.20. A total of $35,000.00 was budgeted for reimbursement with one month left. Chief Brad Nash reported on the progress of the grant for the needed improvement of the Dent County Fire House. He said the construction could possibly start by the first of the year as the engineering reports are in and have been reviewed and with changes being made. Chief Nash also reported the waste oil furnace in the bay area is failing and will have to be repaired or replaced. Chief Nash said it is becoming harder to find parts and finding someone who can do the repair. Discussion was held by the board on replacing the furnace with an infrared heating system. The board asked Chief Nash to look into the pricing and installation of the infrared heating system. Chief Nash also reported that the department needed to update the board bonds for the department. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, December 4th at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.

A two vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at 5:35 in Phelps County on Highway 63, about three miles south of Rolla. According to a report released by the highway patrol, a 2017 Ford Fusion driven by 26-year old Melissa Persicke of Rolla was northbound on Highway 63 and was attempting to make a left turn into a private drive and crossed into the southbound lane. When she could no longer safely make the left turn, the vehicle crossed back into the northbound lane. At that moment, a 2007 Chevrolet 1500, operated by 54-year old Cynthia Jasper of Rolla, attempted to avoid the
Fusion and crossed the center of the highway and collided with the Ford. The Fusion was pushed backwards and the Chevrolet traveled off the left side of the road and struck a rock wall. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Ford Fusion was removed from the scene by C&C Towing while the Chevrolet was removed by Dishman’s Towing. Persicke and a passenger, 8-year old Makenzie Delanois from Rolla, both sustained minor injuries and were transported by Phelps County Ambulance to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

A Stained Glass Workshop will be held tonight from 5:30 until 8:00 at the Creative Arts Center located behind the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. Led by artist and art teacher Amber Pryor, the cost is $25 per person and all materials will be provided for each person to make a project. Reservations can be made by calling 247-0279. At that time you can make payment arrangements and reserve your space. Hurry as this workshop is limited to only eight participants. This workshop is not suggested for pregnant women or small children.
Here are the cumulative totals from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for all the counties that were involved in these races that shared a local interest from Tuesday’s general Election. The winner is denoted by an *.

Circuit Judge Circuit 42 – Division 1

Megan Seay* 18,072 votes
Sid Pearson 6,860 votes

State Senator – 16th District

Justin Dan Brown* 41,985 votes
Ryan Dillon 17,839 votes

US State Representative District 8

Jason Smith* 190,826 votes
Kathy Ellis 65,043 votes
Jonathan L. Shell 4,418 votes

A General Election was held Tuesday in Dent County with 6,101 registered voters casting their ballot which is over 61%. Unopposed candidates are not being shown in these unofficial results. An * indicates winner.

Dent County Prosecuting Attorney:

Andrew M. Curley* 4,161 votes
Williams Camm Seay 1,772 votes

Associate Circuit Judge:

Nathan T. Kelsaw* 3,487 votes
Brandi L. Baird 2,497 votes

Circuit Judge Circuit 42 – Division 1

Megan Seay* 12,382 votes
Sid Pearson 4,147 votes
(4 of 5 counties reported)

Also being voted into office unopposed were Presiding Commissioner – Darrell Skiles, County Clerk – Angie Curley, Circuit Court Clerk – Becky Swiney, Recorder of Deeds – Cindy Ard, County Treasurer – Denita Williams, County Collector –

Shannon Vankirk, Public Administrator – Sherida Cook and 143rd State Representative – Jeffrey Pogue. The vote totals for 16th District State Senator and US Representative for the 8th District will be in Thursday’s YWT.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. At the meeting, the board approved the bid from Quality Machine and Fabrication in Salem to custom build a stainless steel sewer machine tank that will weigh in at about 1,000 pounds. The cost came in at $6,400. After the consent agenda was approved, Public Works Director Mark Nash asked the aldermen if they had any questions about the report he submitted. They had none. City Administrator Ray Walden introduced the new Economic Development Director for the City of Salem, Sally Burbridge. She began her duties on Monday. Walden said the city offices would be closed on November 12th for Veteran’s Day. Walden said he received a report from a citizen that there was water still in the pool. He asked Park and Recreation Board President Stan Podorski to explain why. Podorski said this was part of the suggested winterization by West Port Pools who renovated the pool. He said the pipes have all been blown out and winterized, and the water is left in the pool to benefit the new pool liner. Podorski also said the splash pad has also been fully winterized. The board approved Resolution #4-2018 authorizing the filing of an
application with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Small Community Engineering Assistance Program under the Missouri Clean Water Act. This is a necessary step in the cities attempt to get a $500,000 grant for the Waste Water Treatment Facility. The board approved Bill #3404 amending the ordinance pertaining to the unlawful use of
bows and arrows for the archery program at Indian Trails Archery and at the Salem R-80 Schools. The board also approved Bill #3405 that authorized the mayor to sign and execute a supplement to task order #3 pertaining to the agreement between the City of Salem and the C.M. Archer Group. PC dated February 21st, 2017 for the design and construction engineering services associated with the Waste Water Treatment Plant Improvements. This was needed to get the proper documentation for the DNR grant application. The board also approved the recommendation of Steven Patterson to the Library Board to replace Elizabeth Condray who resigned on October 18th. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 27th through the 30th. Saturday morning, the 27th, at approximately 6:52 an officer was contacted in reference to theft of electricity. Investigation of the report revealed two females ages 31 and 42 as well as two males ages 35 and 41 all of Salem had an illegal electric hook up at a residence where
they were staying and were stealing electric from the City. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspects who were all issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that day at approximately 2:45 an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a theft from a residence in the 400 block of East Ninth Street. Investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a moving dolly valued $300.00 from the porch of a residence. The report is under investigation. Early Monday morning, the 29th, at approximately 12:19 an officer transported a 23 year-old male of Salem to the Center for Cognitive Disorders in Osage Beach, Missouri due to a mental commitment order. Finally on Tuesday afternoon, the 30th, at approximately 12:32 an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. Investigation of the report led to the arrest of an 18 year-old female of Centerville, Missouri for stealing merchandise valued $59.09. 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 any ongoing investigation.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said the Bunker area received some winds last Thursday night that knocked down three trees on Dent County Road 5600 and another three trees on county road 5610. He said he would have two men in the area looking for other downed trees. He said brush was being cut on county roads 54890 and 5500. Purcell stated that truck #73 was in to get the brakes replaced and have full maintenance performed on it, while the hydraulic hoses on the loader that is in the shop will be changed out. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicted the materials would be added and spread plus grading would be done on Dent County Road 2520 which one of the conservation roads. He went on to say brush was going to be cut on county road 4050. Larson reported maintenance on tractor #4 was being done along with general maintenance at the shop. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone to get out and vote as the polls will be open from 6:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening. It is one of the privileges Americans have to have a voice in their government. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said the treasurer’s office and her office balanced on all accounts for the month of October. She wanted to remind every to bring an ID or your voter registration card to the polls and be ready to expect lines. She wanted to remind everyone that there can be no electioneering within 25 feet of the polls and that includes signs, T-Shirts, caps or anything with any politician’s name or that refers to an amendment or propositions. If you have questions as to where you are supposed to vote, contact her office at 729-4144, but it may be heard to get through. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that hunters checked 2,169 turkeys during Missouri’s fall firearms turkey season, October 1st through the 31st. Top harvest counties were Greene with 57, Henry with 48, and Laclede with 47. Last year’s fall firearms turkey harvest total was 2,899. The Conservation Departments turkey biologist says the low harvest total can be attributed to several years of poor hatches. Turkey harvests around the region include 26 in Dent County, 32 in Crawford County, 23 in Iron County, 39 in Texas County, 16 in Shannon County and 34 in Phelps County. Another factor that has resulted in lower fall turkey harvests is declining hunter participation. This year, 10,262 fall firearms turkey hunting permits were purchased. During the peak year of 1987, nearly 53,000 permits were purchased. Missouri has seen a declining interest in fall firearms turkey season as have other states.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 25th and 26th. On Thursday morning at approximately 3:23, October 25th, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to trespassing. The investigation of the report revealed that a 21-year-old male of Salem had entered onto the property of Wal-Mart when he was previously told not to return to the store. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court for trespassing and released. Then Friday morning, October 26th, at approximately 1:48, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 25-year-old female of Rolla for driving while having her license suspended. 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 ongoing investigation.

The Missouri Department of Transportation will test its readiness to plow snow for the upcoming winter season with a statewide drill this Wednesday. Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill. In our area, crews will deploy after 8:00 in the morning. The exercise should be completed by 3:00 in the afternoon. During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department’s emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested. The drill serves as a training reminder to make sure proper equipment, plowing techniques and safety measures are used. In addition, every piece of equipment – every truck, motor grader, snow blower, and tractor – is inspected. MoDOT spends about $43 million each year to keep roads clear in the winter and help ensure motorists get to their destinations safely and quickly.