Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Realtor Ralph Williams was in to deal with a real estate situation and the Commissioners completed the necessary paperwork. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5150 and 5130, while grading only would be done on county roads 5440, 6020 and 6080. He went on to say that brush would be cut on county road 5220 and that he had a man at the Road and Bridge Department leveling the fill from the jail site excavation. Purcell reported that he attended the Tourism Tax Committee meeting on Monday where four reimbursements applications were submitted and approved. He encouraged potential applicants to call Bill Ard at 314-277-1444 to obtain proposal applications or to contact him. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley asked if some applications could be left at her office and Purcell said that he’d get her some. Purcell reminded potential applicants that the Tourism Tax can be used solely to promote tourism in Dent County. He also reported that he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting in Winona and the Agency’s fiscal year started October 1st so all programs are currently fully funded. Purcell reminded those that meet the income guidelines that funds are available for heating assistance, home weatherization and home repair. Anyone interested in obtaining more information should contact Sarah at 573-729-3500. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2050 and 2060, while brush would be cut on county road 3030. He said that pipes were going to be installed on county roads 3040 and 3190, plus materials would be added where those pipes were installed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone of the “ATV/UTV Ride For America” coming up Saturday and that Governor Mike Parson would be in Rolla today from Noon until 1:00 at Price Chopper to discuss Proposition D. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded everyone that absentee voting continues in her office through November 5th, that the last day to mail out an absentee ballot is Wednesday, October 31st, and that her office would be open Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 until noon for absentee voting. She went on to say that sample ballots and plain language explanations of the amendments and propositions were also available. Curley said the Commissioners were approving bills for payment and that ATV/UTV permits were available in her office and at The Commons Friday evening. Dent County Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Curley had sent over the final copy of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program ordinance. The ordinance was assigned Ordinance Number 1018 and was approved 3-0. Bonnie Prigge and Anne Freund of MRPC and MoDOT District Engineer Preston Kramer were in to review Dent County and the City of Salem transportation needs and to establish priorities. Gary Brown and Bob Parsons, both of whom represent Dent County on the MRPC Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) were also in attendance. Salem City Administrator Ray Walden also serves on the TAC Committee, but was unable to attend due to a prior commitment. Twenty two projects were on the Dent County Transportation Needs list. Two were the bridges on Route F, which were removed since they were completed this year. Kramer reported improvements on Highway 68 from the Phelps County Line to Highway 19 in Salem have been approved for Fiscal Year 2020, and the bridge over Norman Creek on Route FF has been approved for replacement in Fiscal Year 2021. After extensive discussion, the following priorities were established. Number one priority is the bridge over Gladden Creek on Highway 19 South, followed by the installation of a bridge over Crooked Creek on Highway TT in the Sligo area, reducing safety concerns at the intersection of Highway 19 South and Roosevelt Street in Salem was prioritized 3rd, and replacement of the bridge over the West Fork of the Huzzah in Boss was listed 4th. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Attention all you runners, walkers and bikers in the Salem area! Do you think Salem needs more trails? Come discuss the proposed trail map for the future trails in the Salem Area on Tuesday evening, October 23rd from 5:30 until 6:30. Everyone will meet at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. Healthy Dent County wants to get as much community input on where the trails should be located as possible. This meeting is open to the public. If you attend, you will be entered for a $50 gift card. For more information or if have any questions, please call Kelsey at 729-8163 or email her at kelsey@salemcommunitycenter.org.

Congratulations to a number of Salem FFA Members for their exemplary speaking skills at the Area 13 Fall Speaking Contest. Brenden Smith placed 1st in the Missouri Pet Breeders speech area, Eli Westerman captured 2nd in the Missouri Cattleman’s Speech area, Kolson Seay placed 3rd in the Teach Ag Speech area and Taylor Smith was a participant in the Missouri Quarter Horse speech area. Smith, Westerman and Seay will all be competing in the District contest to be held in November.

The Salem Memorial District Hospital regular board meeting was held Tuesday evening in the Hospital Library. Hospital Administrator Kasey Lucas introduced Cindy Fry and Amy Thompson who gave the board an update on the Surgical, Acute Care and Outpatient Care departments. They described several updates regarding the way the staff interacts with patients and doctors as well as showing pictures of new equipment as well as updates on patient furniture and room improvements. Other planned patient room updates include new HVAC, flooring, lighting and window upgrades. In the summary of operations for the month of September, the hospital had 111 inpatient admissions with 304 inpatient census days. There were 2,093 outpatient registrations, 1,936 cardiopulmonary procedures, 9,924 lab tests, 1,258 radiology procedures, 647 rehabilitation treatments, 30 surgeries, 258 home health visits and 788 emergency room visits. The hospital showed a gain from operations of $63,475 and revenues over expenses after taxes of $65,995. Cash decreased for the month by $309,763. Debbie Hines gave the Chief of Nursing report and stated the hospital received a four star rating for calendar year 2017 in the Patient Engagement Quality Report. She is working with Healthy Dent County and other community leaders to create the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment. The Long Term Care Department was recently monitored by the State of Missouri and received an excellent rating, with only one tag for oxygen storage procedures. The Hospital Auxiliary will be having Shoe Roads Production shoe sale at the hospital library on October 23rd. Chief Operating Officer Chris Strickland reported the Hospital Foundation will be holding their “Dancing with the Salem Stars” on January 26th at the Salem High School Gym. They will be contacting the community to help sponsor the fundraiser. The foundation is still waiting on the federal government so that they can file for state tax exemption. The hospital participated in numerous community sponsorships and events like the Rose Holland Trout Derby and Oak Hill R-1 Career Day. He also said the hospital will give 25 free mammograms to uninsured women 40 years of age and older this Friday. Women can call the hospital at 729-6626 to sign up for that free mammogram. They need to ask for Julie Malone. A DEA Drug Takeback Day will be held, in coordination with the Healthy Dent County Prevention Coalition on October 27th from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at the Riverways Federal Credit Union parking lot. Citizens can bring their unused medications on this day to be disposed of properly. The board reviewed the patient satisfaction survey results for the Emergency Department and SMDH Family Medicine. The board approved the budgeted purchase of a treadmill for the Rehab Department at a cost of $4,823 from Performance Health. The board then went into closed session.

Fall color is still just starting to show in the Ozark Region. Most of the forest and woodland canopy still retains the green hues of summer, mixed with some drab color changes resulting from drought. The fall color show has not yet become impressive, but there are some tree and shrub species are showing some color. Some hickories and sycamores are starting to turn yellow and brown. Black walnuts are turning yellow and dropping leaves as well as their large, green-husked nuts. Some reds are appearing in the understory and midstory as flowering dogwood and winged sumac are starting to turn. Roadsides are lit up with the yellows and golds of goldenrods. Other tree species seemed to be mottled and discolored,likely a result of summer drought conditions. Fall color seems somewhat late, and temperatures have been unusually high, with summer conditions persisting into October. There is a very good chance that more fall color may appear by this weekend through the middle of next week as the weather becomes cooler. Remember, the color of fall will be the most prevalent around streams, creeks and rivers.

An accident happened in Phelps County Wednesday morning at 8:25 on Highway 8 about a mile south of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, 23-year old Natalie Manning of Salem was driving a 2015 Jeep Compass eastbound when she fell asleep causing the Jeep to go off the right side of the roadway where it struck a culvert and crossed a private driveway. The Jeep’s front struck the ground and the vehicle overturned. Manning suffered moderate injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Manning was wearing a seat restraint and the Jeep was totaled. It was removed by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

You can spend a cool autumn evening at the Bonebreak Center of Nature & History on Monday night starting at 7:00 and see the Moon, Mars and Saturn at this Sky Watch viewing event. The Dent County Astronomers will provide telescopes and give you a tour of the night sky. You’ll see constellations like Hercules, Cygnus and Aquila, plus you can see the detail on the Moon, Saturn’s rings and Mars’ red colors. For more information about this event, call 729-3400 or E-mail them at bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com. The event will be postponed for inclement weather.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Monday evening at the City Hall Council Chambers. After the consent agenda was approved, Public Works Director Mark Nash gave his report that included work performed by the Constructions Crew, Street Department, Electric Department, and the Water and Sewer Department from August 17th to October 1st. City Administrator Ray Walden told the alderman he is updating the work priority list to bring back to them for their review. He wanted to thank the volunteers from the Church of the Latter Day Saints for their volunteer work around town at the city hall auditorium, old middle school cafeteria and gym and other locations around town. Walden said work would continue in the old City Hall Auditorium as bids will go out for a new ceiling in the auditorium now that the roof has been repaired. He said a “reserved” chair campaign to purchase seats in the auditorium showed some interest during the alumni weekend and that committee will look into that further. Walden also said the MRPC approved a resolution of support for Proposition D that would affect roads in the state of Missouri as well as in the City of Salem. Walden asked voters to research the proposition so they could make an informed decision. The Board approved Bill #3402 to authorize the mayor to execute a supplemental agreement for the project TAP-9901 between the City of Salem and the Missouri Department of Transportation for the new ADA sidewalk/ trail from the Salem R-80 Administrative Building to the Community Center and City Park. The board also approved Bill #3403 to execute a change order to an agreement between the City of Salem, and Smith and Edwards Construction for the Waste Water Treatment Facility Phase 1 improvements from $570,500 to $583,689 due to some modifications requested by the city. The board approved a new trailer court license be granted to Central Mo Investments who purchased the Layman Mobile Home Trailer Court after the trailer court is re-inspected. Layman Mobile Home Trailer Court passed the inspection before the June 30th deadline for the current fiscal year. The board also approved the purchase of a commercial portable power/pressure washer from Northern Tool for $3,799.99 which has a two-year warranty. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri Community Betterment Awards were presented Monday night in Columbia as 19 communities, 9 youth groups and 10 community leaders were honored at this year’s conference. Buffalo won the Gene Speichinger Community of the Year award. This award recognizes the outstanding community among the 19 communities entered in this year’s Awards program. The City of Salem came in third place in Category Four. The Steelville Youth Group took 1st Place in Category 2 and took home J.C. Smith Youth Group of the Year Award. The Salem Youth Group received a Certificate of Merit in Category Four. Congratulations to all the winners and to those individuals and communities who competed.

The Missouri Department of Insurance is encouraging consumers who are eligible for Medicare to review their plan options and costs during this year’s open enrollment. The open enrollment period, which runs now through December 7th, presents Missourians with the opportunity to change their Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans. To help consumers choose a plan that best meets their needs, the department offers free assistance to Missourians who are eligible for Medicare and their caregivers through the department’s CLAIM program. CLAIM can also help Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a Low-Income Subsidy and/or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs. Missourians can ask questions by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting missouriclaim.org. The website also offers a list of free open enrollment events that CLAIM is hosting throughout Missouri.

There will be an Art Party this Friday night at the Creative Arts Center. Bring yourself, your bestie, or a hot date and paint a matching (or complementary) picture. You can paint a fun scene and put your own special creative spin to it, then take it home. The cost is $25 per single, and all supplies are included-acrylic paints, aprons, brushes, canvas and easels. Led by artist Danielle Norris, this event for adults does NOT require any talent or previous experience, just a happy spirit and willingness to try. Bring your own personal style, your favorite beverage and Danielle will lead you through the process. Reservations are required and can be made by calling or texting 573-247-0279.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning for their regular meeting. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated he would have a crew cleaning out culverts in the Montauk and Bunker areas as those areas received about an inch of rain this past weekend. He indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6430 and the large culverts on the road would also be cleaned out. Purcell went on to report brush would be cut on county road 5130 and that he would be attending a South Central Community Action Agency meeting tonight. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said two graders are being fully serviced in the shop. He said brush would be cut on county road 3290 and a man would be stockpiling white gravel from the quarry. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting Thursday and they discussed Proposition D. If passed, it is expected the MoDOT would receive an additional 288 million dollars and 30% of that goes to counties and cities. Skiles said that would come to about 428,000 dollars for the city of Salem and Dent County. Skiles wanted to thank all those who attended the ground breaking ceremony last Thursday afternoon. He appreciated the turnout that included a number of community members and those from the jail committee who worked hard on the project to get it off the ground. Skiles went on to say that if anyone wants to attend the MRPC Annual Recognition Dinner, they need make their reservation by today by calling the MRPC at 265-2993. Tickets for the event will cost $25. A reception will be held prior to the dinner beginning at 5:30 at the Hermann Hill Wedding and Convention Center at 164 East Highway 100 in Hermann. Dinner will begin at 6:30 with a program and awards presentation to follow. There are no nominees from Dent County to be recognized this year. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting will continue until November 5th at the courthouse. Her office will be open Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 in the morning until noon for absentee voting. She said the last day to mail out a ballot would be Wednesday, October 31st. Curley said sample ballots are available in her office and she also has the fair ballot language explanations for the amendments and propositions for those who want them. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released reports for October 2nd through the 5th. On Tuesday, the 2nd, at approximately 2:00 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of East Roosevelt in reference to an animal investigation. The investigation revealed that a 39-year old male of Salem had stabbed two pit bull dogs killing one and severely injuring the other. The investigation revealed that the two dogs were running at large at the time the male stabbed them. Further investigation led to the arrest of the male for animal abuse and resisting arrest. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. That evening at about 8:34, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of East Center in reference to an intoxicated male causing a disturbance. That investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year-old male of Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and incarcerated on a 12-hour hold. On Wednesday morning, October 3rd at approximately 11:54, an officer was dispatched to Aranda’s restaurant in reference to a counterfeit bill. The investigation of the report revealed that someone had passed a counterfeit one-hundred-dollar bill. The report is under investigation. On Thursday, October 4th at 2:14 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 48-year-old female of Bunker for stealing merchandise valued at $17.52. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. A bit later that afternoon near 3:20, an officer was contacted in reference to smoking at school. That investigation revealed a 14-year-old male juvenile of Salem had used an electronic cigarette at school. The parent was notified and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. Later that evening at approximately 6:47, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 67-year-old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $11.84. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, October 5th at about 8:58 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 55-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same morning close to 11:00, an officer transported a 30- year-old male of Salem from Algoa Correctional Center in Jefferson City to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. That afternoon at 2:39, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 48-year-old male of Salem for driving while having his 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 any ongoing investigation.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announced that on Thursday, October 11th, a coordinated effort in Phelps County led to several narcotics-related arrests. This effort is a result of a lengthy narcotics investigation conducted by the South-Central Drug Task Force. Arrest teams assisting in these arrests consisted of troopers, officers from the Rolla Police Department, and deputies from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Bond set for the twenty individuals arrested ranged from $25,000 to $250,000. 34-year old Danielle M. Griffes and 31-year old Melissa L. Andrews, both of Rolla, Missouri were the only ones whose bonds were set at $250,000. The charges for which these individuals have been arrested are accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. The South-Central Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The task force specializes in narcotics-related investigations and is composed of narcotics officers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department.

On Friday night at the SHS Homecoming, Kristen Golden was crowned the 2018 Salem Football Homecoming Queen by last year’s queen, Madi Shaw. The Homecoming Court consisted of freshman Evelyn Labastida, sophomore Ashton Mink, junior Addie Konkell and seniors Londyn Cook and Lexy Woolman.

An accident occurred Thursday at noon in Gasconade County on Route B about 11.5 miles north of St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Ford Taurus, driven by 23- year old Dethena Trusty of Rolla, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a utility box. Trusty suffered moderate injuries and was taken to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Trusty was wearing her seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing of St. James.

An accident happened in Franklin County Saturday morning at 8:48 on Interstate 44 in the westbound lanes at 244.4 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2016 Ford Focus driven by 47-year old Todd Giesler of Rolla, traveled off the right side of the roadway and crossed the north outer road. The Ford front left corner then struck a ditch and the vehicle came to rest. Giesler suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Mercy Hospital in Washington by the Union Ambulance District. The Ford Focus had minor damage and was towed by Vogelsang’s Towing. Giesler was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident.

This Wednesday morning from 11:00 until noon at the Salem Senior Center at 604 N. McGrath Lane, a workshop will be held on knowing the 10 signs of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This workshop will separate the myths from reality and address commonly-held fears about Alzheimer’s disease. This workshop will show you how to recognize the signs, learn the benefits of early detection and discover resources to help. This program is absolutely free and is being offered in collaboration with the central Missouri Area Agency on Aging.

This Friday, the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be giving away 25 free mammograms to uninsured women 40 years of age and older. The hospital is also giving away one free mammogram everyday through October 31st in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you have never had a mammogram or haven’t had one in a long time, this is an outstanding opportunity for you to get one at no cost. There are still openings available and interested women need to call the hospital to sign up at 729-6626 and ask for Julie Malone. The availabilities will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Julie can also answer questions women may have about the new mammography services at the Salem Memorial District Hospital or in having your records transferred from another location.

Tonight is Homecoming at the Salem High School Football Field held prior to the football game. This year, the Homecoming Court will consist of freshman Evelyn Labastida, sophomore Ashton Mink, junior Addie Konkell and the senior queen candidates are Kristen Golden, Londyn Cook and Lexy Woolman. Salem football players who will escort the ladies on the field include Tristan Newman, Chandler Gray, Hayden Wilson, Nate Case, Cole Elliott and Aaron Pollard. Tonight is also “Pink Out 2018” at the Salem High School Football game. In honor of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” the Salem Memorial District Hospital is encouraging everyone to wear something pink to the game to show our support as a community and also to raise awareness in Dent County. Breast Cancer Survivors are scheduled to be honored prior to the game. If you or someone you know who is a survivor and would like to be included in the pre-game activities, please contact Julie Malone at 729-5917, extension 2436 or e-mail Julie at JMalone@smdh.net. If anyone is interested, the Salem Memorial District Hospital will be taking donations to go into their Mammography Fund that will provide lifesaving mammograms to women who financially qualify.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax dollars received in October. She reported that all funds reported lower numbers after last month’s record setting numbers. In the General Revenue Fund, a total of $58,134.52 was received and that is down from the 2017 October figure of $64,197.61. The year-to-date amount for 2018 is $129,546.81 more than 10 months of 2017 which is an increase of 18.5%. The Road and Bridge Fund came in at $26,321.50 and that is down from the 2017 October collection of $30,477.25. The Road and Bridge Fund year-to-date is up $52,422.52 which is about a 16% increase over 2017. The jail funds each received $52,523.01 and those funds have received $748,247.76 year-to-date. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said materials would be added and grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 5140 and 5220 while patch grading was going to be done on county roads 5520, 5530 and 5550 as that area of Dent County received about 3.5 inches of rain Saturday night. Purcell indicated grading would be done on county roads 6040 and 6460, materials would be added to county road 4160 and brush was going to be cut on Dent County Roads 5070 and 5075. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson stated patch grading was going to be done on Dent County Roads 2120, 2160, 3300 and 2590 while grading only would be done on county roads 2313 and 4400. Materials would be added and grading done on county road 2040 while materials would be added and patch grading done on county road 2300. Larson went on to report brush would be cut on county roads 2315 and 3260 and that workers would be opening the low water crossing on Dent County Road 5260 that workers have reconstructed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said the ground breaking ceremony to the jail and justice center was held Thursday afternoon at 1:00 at the corner of Iron and 5th Streets. He also reported that if anyone is interested in the Certificates of Participation for the jail and Justice Center, they should contact L. J. Hart and Company at 800-264-4477 for details and information. These certificates will be sold in $5,000 increments and will be tax exempt from federal and state income. Skiles attended the Transportation Advisory Committee and MRPC board meeting tonight. He did want to remind people the annual MRPC Awards Banquet will be held in Hermann this year on Thursday, October 25th and tickets are available by calling the MRPC at 573-265-2993. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said absentee voting will continue until November 5th at the courthouse. Her office will be open Saturday, November 3rd from 8:00 in the morning until noon for absentee voting. She said the last day to mail out a ballot would be Wednesday, October 31st. Curley said sample ballots are available in her office and she also has the fair ballot language explanations for the amendments and propositions for those who want them. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Monday morning at 10:00 in Reynolds County about three miles east of Bunker. According to the highway patrol report, 22-year old Makanda Nelson of Bunker was driving a 2012 Polaris Ranger UTV eastbound on county road 856 when the UTV traveling off the roadway and Nelson overcorrected. The UTV then overturned in the roadway. Makanda Nelson received moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Two passengers: 4-year old Tatum Nelson and 2-year old Zachary Nelson received minor injuries. They were taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private vehicle. The driver and passengers were all wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Polaris sustained minor damage and was removed from the scene by the owner.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Sunday, September 30th close to 1:23 in the morning, an officer located a 63-year old male of Salem at a residence in the 800 block of South Water who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Monday, October 1st at 12:30 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 in reference to a theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed a dark colored SUV pumped fuel valued at $35.04 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. A few minutes later at approximately 12:49, an officer located a 33-year old female of Salem near Highway 32 and Park who had an active arrest warrant from Callaway County, Missouri. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:37, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 39-year old female of Jadwin for stealing merchandise. 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 13th annual Trees and Trains “Winter Wonderland by Night” display is now accepting applications for your group, business, or individuals interested in securing a spot for a decorated tree. Applications can be picked up at Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center at 202 Main, or by calling 729-0029, or Judy Thompson at 573-368-0682 or emailing thompfam@embarqmail.com. The deadline for completed applications is October 30th.

The Missouri Department of Conservation will have one last Hunter Education Skills Sessions from 5:30 until 9:30 in Salem on Monday, October 15th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. Certification is limited to those who are 11 years of age or older. Students should be sure to bring either a completed study guide called “Today’s Hunter” or a copy of the certificate verifying the completion of the online portion. Missouri’s hunter education course is required for any hunter born on or after January 1, 1967. There is no cost for the class. You can just go to the Missouri Department of Conservation website at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov and search for hunter education. If you are having difficulty registering online, you can contact the phone registration vendor at 1-888-283-0364. Event call center hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon.

An accident occurred in Dent County Sunday night at 10:15 that took the life of a woman from Boss. According to the highway patrol report, 76-year old Helen Miner of Boss was driving an eastbound 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier on Highway 32 abut two miles east of Salem, when the Chevrolet crossed the center of the roadway and Miner overcorrected causing the vehicle to cross back over the center of the roadway. The Chevrolet then ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Miner was pronounced dead at the scene Monday morning at 8:15 by Dent County Coroner Gina White. According to the report, Miner was not wearing a seat restraint device at the time of the accident. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, the Salem EMS and the Salem Police Department. The Chevrolet was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitakers Towing.

The 55th annual Rose Holland Trout Derby was held this past weekend at Montauk State Park. Despite the rainy weekend, 1,040 tags were sold on Saturday and 680 tags were purchased on Sunday. A total of 1,065 anglers were registered in the derby and 34 children registered their stringers of fish with the Kid’s Heaviest Stringer going to Heston Parsons of Rolla at six pounds, seven ounces. Two fishermen from Salem caught lunkers, which are fish weighing 3 pounds or more. Tad Headrick landed a four pound, four ounce trout and Zack Schafer caught a five pound, six ounce trout. The Men’s Heaviest Fish was caught by Paul Terry of St. Louis when he brought in a seven pound, 12 ounce rainbow, and the Women’s Heaviest Fish was a two pound, seven ounce rainbow caught by Nancy Schmidt of Waterloo, Iowa. The heaviest Brown Trout registered was one pound, twelve ounces by Josh Stagner of Batesville, Missouri. Numerous prizes were given away for tagged fish including a kayak, an afghan, a horserace game, a framed picture, a chiminea, a food saver, a trout rod and his and her trout lure cups. A cruise-in car show was also held during the event on Friday night with 60 plus cars taking place in the event. The best Ford award went to Lyle Hutchens of Salem for his 1954 Ford while Larry Wofford’s 1964 Impala SS won the best General Motors award. The best MOPAR award went to Tom Gale of Licking while Terry and Betty Welch of Licking won the best other makers award for their 1951 Willys pick-up. The Best rat rod went to Jerry Wofford’s 1948 Ford. The car coming from the longest distance, 138 miles, was Russell Hainer and his 1925 Ford Model T from St. Louis. In total $14,756 was raised during the event and those proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

On Friday, October 5th, the Salem R-80 Administration indicated that 57 Salem Senior High students were presented with their ACT Incentive Checks. For several years, Salem Senior High has encouraged its students to increase their ACT composite scores. The checks given out today were for the on-site April ACT test. Students earning a composite score of 22 or higher were presented with $50 (unless they already have received their $50 for a previous test) and $25 for a composite score of 17-21. The school also gives out $100 for the top score out of everyone that took the test on that particular date, and $50 for the next top five scorers from that same date. All of the money comes from the ACT incentive account which is funded by businesses advertising on the electronic sign outside the high school.

Predicting the peak of fall color in Missouri can be difficult. Missouri is blessed with a great variety of trees, shrubs, and vines. Their leaves turn at different times, so Missourians enjoy a fall color season that may last four to six weeks. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation as of last weekend, only the Ozark Region, Southwest Region and St. Louis region has not seen significant color change while the rest of the state is beginning to turn. The color change in the Northeast Region of the state in the Hannibal and Kirksville area is well under way and is best seen near the Mississippi River. The Department is actually expecting a fairly decent fall color season because of a good amount of moisture we’ve had in the last month and a half. The norm for the peak of the fall color in Missouri is usually around mid-October. This is when maples, ashes, oaks, and hickories are at the height of their fall display. Normally by late October, the colors are fading and the leaves beginning to drop from the trees. Fall color is usually finished by the middle of November. Generally, the color change is predictable, but it can vary from year to year. Much depends on the weather. For more information about the leaves color changes, persons can go to mdc.mo.gov website and type in fall colors in the search box.

An accident happened Friday afternoon at 2:30 in Dent County on Highway 72 about four miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 1990 Ford F-150 driven eastbound by 27-year old Travis Wethy of Salem, was stopped waiting to turn left when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2005 Chevy Truck driven eastbound by 58-year old Cary Nash of Salem. Nash suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Wethy suffered minor injuries and refused treatment at the scene. Nash was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Wethy was not. Both vehicles were totaled and were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing of Salem.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 3:30 in Shannon County on Highway 19 about eight miles north of Eminence. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Honda Motorcycle driven southbound by 72-year old Shelby Breedlove of Licking, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Breedlove suffered moderate injuries and was taken by ambulance to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. Breedlove was wearing safety devices at the time of the accident. The Honda Motorcycle had moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Baker Towing.

An accident happened Friday morning at 6:20 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about three miles south of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Dodge Caliper driven southbound by 17-year old Sarah Hajek of Steelville, traveled off the right side of the roadway when Hajek overcorrected and the Dodge returned to the roadway where it then skidded and went off the left side of the road where the Caliper struck an embankment and overturned. Hajek suffered minor injuries and sought her own treatment. She was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Dodge was totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing.

An accident happened Thursday evening at 7:45 on Highway 32 about six miles west of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2015 Subaru Outback was east bound on Highway 32, driven by 48-year old Christopher Barnes of Nixa, when he encountered water on the roadway. This caused the vehicle to hydroplane off the roadway and strike several obstacles before coming to a rest. Barnes suffered moderate injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The driver was wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. The Subaru was totaled and removed from the scene by American Muffler of Salem.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, September 27th at approximately 6:45 in the evening, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to damage to a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed a person unknown did damage valued at $350.00 to a silver 2005 Hyundai that was parked in the 400 block of East Acuff. The report is under investigation. On Friday, September 28th at about 3:42 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. An investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 58-year old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same evening at approximately 7:56, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 34-year old female of Salem for driving while having her license suspended. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday, September 29th at approximately 1:42 in the morning, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 29-year old male of Salem on three active arrest warrants from Jefferson County. The suspect was incarcerated pending extradition. Later that evening at 7:36, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 39-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise. 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.