Local News

The Midwest Blue Oval Club presents the Current River Blue Oval Rally Saturday at the Dent County Courthouse Square. The show this year is presented by everythingcinema.biz. All makes and models are welcome to be exhibited at the show. The gates will open at 8:00 RAIN OR SHINE and the entry fee is $20 with the first 25 vehicles registered receiving a free event T-shirt. Numerous awards will be presented at 2:00 sponsored by Larson Collision Center and Larson Rental Cars. The Rally will include free entertainment including performances by the Salem Marching Blue Band, the Salem Academy of Dance, the Salem High School Choir, the Second Time Around Band and others. You will also find arts and craft vendors as well as numerous food items. Later at 6:00, there will be a “town cruise” with the cars congregating at Scoops in the Crossroads Shopping Center to drive the old Salem loop! On Sunday, the vehicles will meet around the courthouse square and cruise to Echo Bluff State Park for a lunch provided by Curt’s Mobile Homes. The events will be held no matter what the weather does and everyone is invited out to the Rally!!! For more information about the Midwest Blue Oval Club or the Rally, go online to this website: www.MidwestBlueOval.Club. Proceeds from this event will go to Salem High School Band Parents, Love Pack Back Pack, and the Shepard’s Nook Food Pantry.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Courthouse. Sonny Johns was in with questions and concerns about the condition of Dent County Road 6090. District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell noted that new pipes had been installed on the road. Purcell said that grading and ditch work would take place on that road next week. In the road report Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2450, 2490 and 4210. He also noted that he was four men short on Thursday. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that 30 yards of concrete was being poured Thursday on the low water crossing on Dent County Road 2070. He said they should be finished Thursday and that the road would remain closed until late next week to give the concrete time to fully cure. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that Saturday night he had the privilege of meeting Medal of Honor Winner Donald “Doc” Ballard at the community welcome and presenting him a plaque on behalf of Dent County thanking Ballard for his service. Deputy County Clerk Crystal Pilkington said that payroll was being paid. Kenny Shaw was in to discuss his unemployment claims being denied. The Commissioners all said that they are not protesting his claims and would help him continue his efforts to get his unemployment benefits. Commissioner Larson said that on Monday he will get with Road Foreman Sam Gorman and they will call the unemployment office. The next meeting of the Commission will be Monday at 9:00 AM in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is now offering an all-online bowhunter education course for Missouri residents 16 year and older. The new course offers a more flexible and convenient options to become bowhunter education certified. The online course includes videos and animations to teach bowhunter safety, archery and crossbow safety, ethics, regulations, and wildlife management. Bowhunter certification in Missouri is still voluntary, but some managed or urban hunting opportunities may require it. Other states may also require bowhunter education and will accept this Missouri online course. The course can also be an excellent refresher course for veteran bowhunters. Each student will receive a temporary bowhunter education certificate once they complete and pass the 60-question final exam with an 80% or higher. The fee for the all-online course is $30, which is paid directly to the online provider. Individuals 15 years or younger are still required to complete the in-person bowhunter education course to receive certification. For more information on the course, go online to mdc.mo.gov and type in the search box “bowhunting education.”

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the Dent County Fire House. The bills for the month of August were reviewed and approved, and the budget was reviewed that showed a General Revenue balance of $137,103.90. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 24 calls for the month of May including 5 structure fires, 2 brush fires, 11 first responder, 3 vehicle accidents, a haz-mat call for a gas leak and two trainings. There has been 211 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $115.27. In new business, the Fire Board approved Resolution 2018-02 that authorized the chairman of the board to enter into a legal service agreement with John Williams Group, LC, approved Ordinance 2018-ORD-01 that authorizes the district to assess and collect fees and charges for individuals that reside outside the district but who receives services within the district, approved Ordinance 2018-ORD-02 that allowing the district to authorize and implement fees and charges for responding to fires or emergencies outside the corporate boundaries of the district, and the board also approved Ordinance 2018-ORD-03 that allows the district to authorize and implement fees and charges for responding to hazardous substance releases. The next meeting date was set for Tuesday, October 2nd at 6:00 at the Dent County Fire House. The meeting was then adjourned.

There will be a Community Center of the Ozarks Blood Drive in Salem today from 1:00 until 6:00 at the First Baptist Church at 201 North McArthur. Supplies of type “O” positive, “O” negative and “A” positive blood are all at less than normal supply levels. To be eligible to give blood, you must weigh at least, you must weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and present a valid photo ID. For more information, contact Cindy Sachs at 729-4241.

The Salem Public Library will hold a program called “Dinosaurs” this morning! Preschool program of stories, songs, rhymes and crafts at the Salem Public Library building. The time of the program is 10:30 in the morning until 11:15. For more information, call 729-4331.

Need trees and shrubs for your landscape? Go native with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Native trees and shrubs can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of private property. The George O. White State Forest Nursery near Licking offers a variety of low-cost native tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s 2018-2019 Seedling Order Form provides images and information on available items, along with ordering information. Find it in the September issue of the Missouri Conservationist, at Department of Conservation regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings, or by contacting the State Forest Nursery at StateForestNursery@mdc.mo.gov. or call 573-674-3229. Orders this year can be placed now through April 15th, 2019. Supplies are limited so order early. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the nursery near Licking from February through May. The nursery provides mainly one-year-old, bare-root seedlings with sizes varying by species. Seedlings varieties include: pine, bald cypress, cottonwood, black walnut, hickory, oak, pecan, persimmon, birch, maple, willow, sycamore, blackberry, beautyberry, buttonbush, holly, dogwood, hazelnut, redbud, ninebark, pawpaw, spicebush, elderberry, serviceberry, sumac, wild plum, witch hazel, and others. Seedlings are available in bundles of 10 or increments of 25 per species. Prices range from 22 to 90 cents per seedling. Sales tax of 6.1% will be added to orders unless your entity is tax exempt. There is an $8 handling charge for each order. Receive a 15% discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card, Permit Card, or Conservation ID Number.

According to a report from the Houston Herald, the Licking Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Tuesday morning at Town and Country Bank in Licking on Highway 32 east. Police say a white male was wearing a Mizzou hoodie and jeans when he entered the bank around 9:40 in the morning with a pistol. He is described as about 5 foot, 10 inches and heavy set. According to the report, the man fled on foot southbound from the bank with an undisclosed amount of cash. Authorities said that no one was hurt in the incident. Anyone who may have been in the area and saw anything that might be important to the investigation is encouraged to report it to 9-1-1. The FBI is expected to join the investigation.

The Dent County Health Board held their tax rate hearing on August 20th. Administrator Kendra Mobray explained the documentation received from the State Auditor’s office had set the tax rate ceiling for the coming year at 9.53 cents per $100 assessed valuation which is a slight increase from the 9.51 cents per $100 assessed valuation received for the current year. After discussion, the Board agreed to set the tax rate at the Current Year Tax Rate Ceiling of 9.53 cents per $100 assessed valuation. Following the tax rate hearing, the board held their regular meeting. Administrator Mobray reported flu shots have been ordered and Flu shot clinics will begin mid-September. Mobray said the Health Center will be giving flu shots at the upcoming Community Wellness Expo. They are able to bill most insurance. The cost of quadrivalent flu shots (without insurance) is $37. She said Health Center nurses worked closely with school nurses to make them aware of the immunization status of students. Mobray reported that outpatient lab services were provided to 45 clients in July and that Oak-Hill R-1 school district superintendent Doug Dunn signed the Memorandum of Understanding to continue their partnership for the 2018-2019 school year. Mobray reported there was a slight decrease in the WIC caseload from 462 in fiscal year 2018 to 441 for fiscal year 2019. These decreasing trends have been experienced by several agencies across the state. Mobray reported she and Joan Raulston are working closely with the Prevention Coalition on a recent grant the coalition received to raise adolescent awareness of the dangers associated with tobacco and nicotine use. Mobray reported the Health Center is scheduling flu shot clinics at local businesses. If you are interested in a clinic at your place of business or job site, call 573-729-3106. The meeting was then adjourned.

A Quilt Exhibit will be on display from September 10th through October 13th, Monday through Friday from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon at the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center at 202 S. Main St. This event is being presented by the Current River Scrappers Quilt Guild. Admission to the event is free. The guild will be collecting quilts from individuals who would like to have their quilts exhibited. You can bring your quilt in today, tomorrow or Friday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM to the Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource Center. Please be prepared to write a short description of each quilt submitted. For more information, call the ONCRC at (573) 729-0029.

An accident occurred Tuesday morning at 10:05 in Phelps County on Highway 63 about three miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a deer jumped from a rock bluff and struck the windshield of a southbound 2007 Ford Escape driven by 62-year old Paul Worsey of Rolla. The deer broke through the windshield and trapped the driver inside. Worsey was extricated from the vehicle with moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Phelps County Ambulance. The Ford sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by C & C Towing of Rolla.

The Current River State Park invites the public to delve deeper into caves and the subterranean ecosystems of the Ozarks at the park’s first-ever Cave-In education event that will be held this Friday and Saturday at and near the park. The Cave-In is a coordinated effort by the Missouri Speleological Survey, Cave Research Foundation, Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy, Missouri Bat Census, Missouri State Parks, Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Mark Twain National Forest. Beginning Friday and continuing through Saturday, there will be a wide variety of activities offered, including demonstrations, displays at the park, as well as cave tours at nearby Round Spring. At 7:30 Friday night, there will be a Bat Hike and Watch at the park. The hike will be about two miles, and hikers are encouraged to wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Insect repellent is also recommended. Current River State Park is located on Hwy. 19 approximately 23 miles south of Salem, and approximately 15 miles north of Eminence. For more information about the event, call Connie Weber at 573-751-1224.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday morning, August 17th at about 10:24, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-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, August 18th at about 4:27 in the afternoon, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East First Street in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 36-year old male of Salem who was intoxicated and making threatening gestures towards a neighbor. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court for disorderly conduct and released. On Monday afternoon, August 20th at approximately 3:23, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a surveillance video of a male suspect taking merchandise valued at $1,103.00. The report is under investigation. That same evening near 7:12, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1500 block of South Water in reference to someone trespassing. The investigation of the report revealed an 18-year old male of Salem entered a residence without permission. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same evening at 10:58, an officer transported a 47-year old male of Raymondville from the Texas County Jail to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. If anyone has any information about an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that during the month of September 2018, Troop I officers will participate in a hazardous moving operation. Special emphasis will be placed on excessive speed, following too close, improper lane changes, and driving while impaired violations. Troopers will concentrate their efforts in areas where, in the past, traffic crashes have occurred as a result of these violations. The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors will conduct their September meeting tonight at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm. After approval of the agenda as well as the minutes from the August meeting, the Board will review and approve bills. The Board review financial reports for the district and there will be a review of the calendar for upcoming events. The monthly reimbursement report will be presented and the Board will address any old or new business. In new business the Board will review and sign new ordinances from USDA followed by various reports. The Board may then vote to go into closed session to discuss personnel, if necessary and they will also set the date for the October meeting to be held at the station beginning at 6:00 pm. The September meeting of the Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors is open to the public.

Route A in Reynolds 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 Highway 72 in Reynolds County to Highway 19 in Shannon County. Weather permitting, work will take place starting this morning at about 11:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon, and on Wednesday and Thursday, from 7:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon. 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)

The Dent County Commissioners met for the regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. In the road report District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 6080 and 6470, plus ditch work would be done and grading would be done on county roads 5600 and 6190. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 3283 and 2390, while materials would be added to county roads 2010, 2110 and 2070. Larson went on to say that due to the heavy rains on Wednesday patch grading of washouts would be done on county roads 2010, 2110, 4290, 4283, 4040, and 4260. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that Wednesday he attended the Meramec Regional Emergency Planning Committee meeting in St. James. He said the Committee reviewed the budget and training opportunities for emergency responders. Skiles noted that several training opportunities are available for volunteer fire departments and those departments with interest in finding out what’s available should contact Tammy at (573) 265- 2993. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported that her office has an Internal Control and Management Policy ready for review by the Commissioners and that policy will need to be approved after their review and possible modifications are made. At 10:00 bids were opened for a pickup for the Road and Bridge Department. B & B Motors had the low bid of $8,560.00 for a 2009 Dodge D150 Crew Cab 4X4. Purchase of the pickup was approved 3-0. The Courthouse is closed Monday for Labor Day and the next meeting of the Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

This will be a busy Labor Day Weekend in Salem with “Ron’s Race for a Reason” starting this morning at the Flat Nasty-Off Road Park to benefit the American Volunteers. Admission to the park is $12.00 for adults with breakfast being served by the volunteers for $7.00. They will also be serving lunch and dinner as well as breakfast through Sunday morning. The big event will be the Cross Country Race for trucks and side-by-sides that will be held Saturday morning at 10:00. There is a $25 entry fee and there will be a 100% payback with the purse already over $3,000. Anyone who would like to enter the race is welcome and the event is open to spectators. The winners of the race will receive their checks from the only living Medal of Honor recipient in Missouri: Donald “Doc” Ballard. Also on Saturday, a snow machine will be making snow at Flat Nasty for children and those young at heart to enjoy. A raffle will be also held for two rifles and a pistol with the proceeds benefiting the American Volunteers. For more information about the raffle, contact Richard LaBrash at 729-3196. Later Saturday afternoon, there will be a Community Welcome for “Doc” Ballard at the Indian Trail Archery on Highway 19 North starting at 5:30 with a short presentation. After a short film presentation, there will be a meet and greet with Doc Ballard with photo opportunities. The MRCA/URA Rodeo will be held Saturday night and Sunday night at The Commons starting at 7:30 each evening sponsored by the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce. On Saturday evening, there will be a special “Red, White and Blue Salute” to our veterans at the beginning of the rodeo with Medal of Honor Recipient “Doc” Ballard attending. There will be all kinds of vendors at the rodeo with food and merchandise, plus this year you can ride a mechanical bull! You will see barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling, bareback riding, team roping, calf roping and bull riding! Advance tickets in advance are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 5-11. Tickets are aavailable at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce and all the local banks. Tickets will also be available at the gate. Also this Saturday and Sunday, Whispering Pines Campground and Horse Farm will be hosting a Hippie Fest! It’s Missouri’s grooviest camping festival! Tickets are only available online at HippieFest.org. And on Monday, Labor Day, enjoy the Salute to the Forestry Industry parade from Highway 32-72 north on McArthur then down to the courthouse square starting at 11:00. See a variety of logging equipment, trucks and more! Following the parade Monday, head out to The Commons for Timber Fun Days where there will be a number of games, exhibits, challenges and competitions starting at 12:00 noon. There is no charge to attend. Make it a fun Labor Day Weekend in Dent County!

A salute to the Forestry Industry will be on Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd starting with the Forestry Industry Parade from Highway 32-72 and McArthur to the Dent County Courthouse at 11:00 in the morning. Timber Fun Days will follow at The Commons and the afternoon is loaded with events. From noon until 4:00 there will be contests in cross cut sawing, tomahawk match striking, guessing the age of a tree and the weight of a tie. There will also be knot tying contests, a stump maze walk, and others. At 12:30, little kids can search for toys in a haystack, then at 1:30, little tots can compete in a tractor pull, and at 3:00, kids will have a turtle race. Anyone can participate in the flint and steel fire start at 1:30, the two-person barrel race at 2:00 and the eight person equal weight tug of war at 4:00. In addition to these events there will be displays such as shingle splitting, rail splitting, railroad tie hacking, MDC band saw demonstration, use of a log loader, log identification, wood identification, a wood barrel display and a Cooper making a barrel on site. There will also be a tree felling event, old time fiddle musicians, and displays by land management organizations. Everyone is welcome to watch the parade Labor Day morning starting at 11:00 and attend the Timber Fun Days Festivities at The Commons.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging Missouri’s travelers to drive and boat responsibly during the 2018 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are driving or boating, safety must be at the forefront of your plans. In Missouri, 11 people died and 265 were injured in 941 traffic crashes over the 2017 Labor Day holiday. That means one person was killed or injured every 12.4 minutes. Of that total, troopers worked 313 traffic crashes, which included 130 injuries and eight of the fatalities over the 2017 Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 142 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend. The 2018 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6:00 in the evening this Friday, through 11:59 Monday night, September 3rd. The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Thus, all available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists. The Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend. In 2016, there were 10 boating crashes which included zero fatalities and 10 injuries. There were no drownings over last year’s Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 12 people for boating while intoxicated during last year’s counting period. In an effort to increase safety on our state’s waters, all available officers will be working over the holiday weekend. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating a vessel. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is asking for help from the public in keeping the state-owned right of way clear of objects that could pose safety risks to motorists. That includes garage sale, political and other yard signs, as well as banners balloons and streamers. Missouri State Statute 227.220 and MoDOT policy prohibit installation or maintenance of non-approved items on state right-of-way. When possible, MoDOT tries to identify and contact a sign owner before removing a sign. Once a sign is removed, it is held for 30 days and can be retrieved from the local MoDOT maintenance facility. MoDOT thanks the public for their help with this important safety matter. For more information about this topic or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).

The Rolla Police Department has CANCELLED the Endangered Person Advisory for a missing person incident that occurred at 10232 Natural Bridge Road in St Louis at 3:00 AM issued on August 9th. The missing person in the advisory was 36-year old Ryan Berry who checked out of the Quality Inn near Lambert Airport and hadn’t been heard from since. We are glad to report that Mr. Berry was found safe!

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On August 23rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Highway 32 and Highway 19. After a short investigation, consent was given to search the vehicle and marijuana was located. The driver, a 43-year old Bunker man, was arrested. He was fingerprinted, issued summons, and released. Later that day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Route K at Dent County Road 6490. Consent was given to search the vehicle and marijuana and marijuana paraphernalia were located. The driver, a 36-year old Salem man, was arrested. He was fingerprinted, issued summons, and released. On August 26th, deputies received a report of a wallet containing $4,000 cash had been stolen from a vehicle on Dent County Road 4110. After an investigation, a 40-year old Salem woman was arrested for felony stealing. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Captain James Remillard, the commanding officer of Troop I, has announced that during the Labor Day holiday weekend, Troop I will conduct two hazardous moving operations in the following counties: Phelps, Crawford, Maries, and Dent. Officers assigned to these operations will focus on areas where a high number of traffic crashes have occurred. Officers will be cognizant of impaired drivers and aggressive driving which will include excessive speed, following too close, and improper lane usage. Officers will also participate in the 20-Mile Trooper project which will include the Troop I counties of Crawford, Phelps, Pulaski, and Laclede. Officers will be assigned to Interstate 44 during this project and will be available to assist stranded motorists and respond to any reports of aggressive driving. Captain Remillard would like to remind motorists that they can report aggressive driving and traffic-related emergencies by dialing *55 on their cell phone. Remember, the only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens.

The American Volunteers will be hosting the Second Annual Ron’s “Race for a Reason” this Labor Day Weekend starting this Friday and lasting through Sunday, September 2nd at Flat Nasty Off-Road Park. The big attraction is a Cross Country Race Saturday morning starting at 10:00 that costs $25 to enter and offers a 100% payback. The purse is already at $3,000 and it’s growing. There will be a race for trucks and side by sides. A special event will happen at the conclusion of the race when the last living Medal of Honor Recipient living in Missouri, Donald “Doc” Ballard, will present the checks to the winners of the Cross Country Race. Food will be available each day. Spectators are welcome to attend as are those who wish to ride trails as open trail riding will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the grounds. As a special treat for the kids on Saturday, an artificial snow machine will create snow for everyone to enjoy. The 2nd Annual Ron’s “Race for a Reason” will benefit The American Volunteers, a community service group of veterans and supporters. For more information about this special family friendly Labor Day event, you can go online to theamericanvolunteers.us, check them out on Facebook, or call Flat Nasty at 729-6668 or 573-548-1112.

Do you have your tickets yet for the upcoming Salem Area Chamber of Commerce semi-pro rodeo, sanctioned by MRCA/URA and produced by Outlaw Rodeo Productions? The rodeo will be held this Labor Day weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 2nd and 3rd beginning at 7:30 each night at The Commons on Highway 72 North. There will be a number of events held including team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding and bareback riding, saddle bronc, calf roping, calf scramble and boot toss! Saturday night will feature a special guest as that night, Medal of Honor Recipient Donald “Doc” Ballard will be in attendance as part of the “Red, White and Blue Night” to honor our veterans. Advanced tickets for the rodeo are available at both locations of the Bank of Salem, both locations of Town and Country Bank, Riverways Federal Credit Union, Progressive Ozark Bank and the Salem Chamber office at 200 S Main. Advance ticket prices are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-11. At the event, you can show everyone your bull riding skills on a mechanical bull this year! All kinds of food and merchandise vendors will be present. For more information, contact Tabatha at the Chamber of Commerce at (573) 729-6900.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting at the courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2470, 2480, 5600 and 6420. He also said crossover pipes will be installed on county roads 2400, 2460 and 6090. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Road 2330 while brush would be cut on county roads 4380 and 4330. He said material would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 2130 while materials only would be added to county road 2130. Larson said crews are putting in a pipe on Dent County Road 2070 before additional concrete is going to be added to the low water crossing under construction. Larson said that road will be closed the rest of this week and probably will not be opened until after Labor Day once the concrete cures. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he met with the State Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency mapping coordinators on Thursday at the Salem Community Center@The Armory on the a draft of the new flood plain map for Dent County. Anyone with interested in the draft can find it on the SEMA and FEMA websites. If you can’t find it, get a hold of Commissioner Skiles and he will get you more information. The commissioners unanimously approved Dent County Resolution 8-27-18 regarding approving the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley stated the last day to register for the General Election in November will be October 10th. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the CART figures received this month and they came to $60,530.99 which is $545.38 less than August of 2017’s total. Year-to-date, the county is up $4,939.80 over last year’s CART receipts which comes to about a 1.087% increase. Nick Smith from Septagon Construction Management was in attendance and Steve Davis from Shive-Hattery Architects was on a conference call as the bids for the new jail project were awarded. Smith recommended the General Construction bid would go to Prost Builders from Jefferson City for $ $5,784,000, the Laundry Equipment bid went to Loomis Brothers Equipment Co for $32,305, the steel jail cells, DEC and SEC bid went to Noah Detention Construction LLC for $2,880,000; the Elevator bid was awarded to Kone, Inc. for $139,800, the Fire Sprinkler System bid was given to Ozark Fire Sprinkler Co., Inc. for $120,000 and Meyer Electric Co. Inc. was awarded the bid for Electrical work for $948,264. A financing letter from L.J. Hart will accompany the contracts as the county is still waiting on their audit from the state to determine the interest rate on their bonds for the project financing. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be held Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 12:55 in Phelps County on I-44 at mile marker 176. According to the Highway Patrol Report a westbound 2004 Ford Ranger, driven by 53 year-old Gina Aguilera of Las Vegas, Nevada, experienced an equipment malfunction. The Ford traveled off the right side of the roadway, then off the left side. The vehicle began to overturn, crossed the median, and finally came to rest in the passing lane of eastbound I-44. A passenger, 73 year-old Carolyn White of Salem, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Phelps County Regional Medical Center by Phelps County Ambulance. The report stated that both White and Aguilera were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford was totaled and removed from the scene by C & C Towing of Rolla.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. In the evening of Tuesday, August 14th at about 8:48, an officer was dispatched Caseys General Store on Highway 32 in reference to a male subject who appeared to be passed out on the sidewalk next to the building. That investigation led to the arrest of a 46-year old male subject from Rolla for an active arrest warrant. The suspect was incarcerated on the warrant. On Tuesday morning, August 15th, at 11:49, an officer was dispatched to the 600 block of South Grand Avenue in reference to a report of stealing. It was reported that a suspect had stolen several items of clothing as well as cosmetics along with a $100 bill. At this time the suspect has not been located and the report is still under investigation. At 9:13 that same evening, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of East Ellis Street in reference to a report of a stolen vehicle. The victims’ son had left the vehicle at his residence at left for work. Upon returning he noticed that the vehicle was not there. The vehicle is described as a grey 1998 Nissan Sentra. The report is under investigation. A short time later at 10:19, officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of East Ellis Street in reference to serving an arrest warrant. The investigation led to the arrest of a 24-year old male subject from Salem for an active warrant and the suspect was incarcerated for the warrant. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

On Monday, August 20th, the Dent County Sheriff’s Office was requested to assist the Missouri State Highway Patrol with investigating an accident in the 8500 block of Highway 19 South. After a short investigation, it was determined that a 53-year old Salem man had attempted suicide by shooting himself in the head at a residence in the 9000 block of Highway 19 South, but was unsuccessful. He then left the residence in a vehicle and crashed a short distance away. He fled into a field before law enforcement’s arrival. A search was conducted and he was located in a patch of woods. He was transported to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for medical treatment. This incident is still under investigation. If anyone has information about this case, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Salem Police department reported that an accident occurred Friday, August 17th, at 3:41 in the afternoon. A 2012 Chevrolet Impala, driven by George Barnitz of Lake Spring, was stopped facing east on Highway 32 in the turn lane and was preparing to turn onto Highway 32. At that time, a 2006 Honda Civic was traveling west on Highway 32, driven by Heather McDaniel of Salem. Barnitz stated he saw the McDaniel vehicle but thought he had enough time to turn. McDaniel stated he saw the Impala turning in front of her and started breaking and turning left to avoid the accident. The front passenger side bumper of the Honda collided with the Impala in the rear passenger side panel. McDaniel received minor injuries in the accident. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were driven from the scene. Another accident was reported on Monday, August 20th at 8:09 in the morning on Highway 32. The accident occurred as a 2005 GMC bus, owned by Salem Residential Care and driven by Khristia Webb of Salem, was traveling westbound in the driving lane of Highway 32 while a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, driven by Johnathan Murr of Salem, was in the passing lane also traveling westbound. Murr stated he turned his signal on to change lanes into the driving lane and did not see a vehicle beside him when changing lanes. Webb stated she saw the Jeep changing into her lane and attempted to avoid the collision. The Jeep’s rear quarter panel collided with the front driver’s fender on the bus and the damage continued down the entire side of the vehicle. After the collision, the bus traveled off the right side of the roadway, went over a curb and came to rest off the roadway. No injuries were reported. The Jeep was driven from the scene with minor damage while the bus was towed by American Muffler and Towing with moderate damage.

The Salem Police Department released a number of reports. On Friday, August 10th at 12:29 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted in the lobby of the Salem Police Department for a report of and assault. The investigation led to the arrest of a 36-year old male subject for assaulting a 57-year old male. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same evening at 9:52, an officer was conducting a narcotics investigation at a residence in the 500 block of South Jackson Street. The investigation led to the arrest of a 40-year old female of Salem for the possession of marijuana and also for the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. In the evening of Saturday, August 11th, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of East First Street in reference to a fight in progress. The investigation led to the arrest of a 38-year old male from Salem for disorderly conduct. The suspect was combative and uncooperative with the booking process and was transported to the Dent County Sheriffs office for incarceration. At approximately midnight, the subject became cooperative and was processed, issued a summons to appear in court and was released. Later that night at 11:05, a vehicle was stopped for a license violation. The investigation led to the arrest of a 48-year old male from Salem for an active arrest warrant. The suspect was transported to the Dent County Sheriffs office and incarcerated on the warrant. On Monday, August 13th, at 10:24 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to the city administrative offices parking lot in reference to an abandoned vehicle. The investigation led to the arrest of a 40-year old male from Cuba for receiving stolen property. The license plates on the vehicle were confirmed to be stolen from St. James. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. That same morning at 11:20, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of East Hunt Street for an unresponsive female not breathing. The victim was determined to be deceased and the coroner was contacted. The police investigation determined the death to be from natural causes. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident occurred in Phelps County on Saturday in the morning that took the life of a teenager from St. James. According to the highway patrol report, a 1999 GMC Sierra driven southbound by 16-year old Tristen Russ of St. James, crossed the center line and traveled off the left side of the roadway, where the Sierra struck a fence and a tree. The Sierra overturned and caught fire. Russ was pronounced dead at the scene by the Phelps County Coroner Andy Davis. The GMC was totaled and removed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the St James Fire Department and EMS.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles was attending a FEMA Flood Plain Map update meeting so Assistant Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington appointed District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell as Acting Presiding Commissioner. Kevin Parr with Midwest Public Risk, an insurance pool, was in to share information about the organization’s different insurance plans. In the road report, Purcell reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 3110, 6080, 6083, 6370, 6410, and 5600. He noted that culvert repair would be done on Dent County Road 6400 and culvert installation would take place on county roads 6090 and 6040. Purcell reported that Monday evening he attended the Tourism Commission meeting where one proposal was submitted and approved, plus one reimbursement request was submitted. It was tabled awaiting additional information. On Tuesday, he attended the South Central Community Action Agency meeting in Winona. Purcell said funds were available for a variety of programs and information is available by contacting Sarah at (573) 729-3500. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 4020, while grading only would be done on county road 2020. He reported that two men were cutting brush on Dent County Roads 5340, 5323, 2305, and 2340. Larson said that work continues on the low water crossing on county road 2070 and that the road would probably be closed most if not all of next week. Pilkington reported that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. Propane bids were opened at 10:00 and Ferrell gas was the low bidder for 3,500 gallons at $1.395 per gallon. The next regular meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The American Volunteers will be hosting the Second Annual Ron’s “Race for a Reason” this Labor Day Weekend starting Friday, August 31st and lasting through Sunday, September 2nd at Flat Nasty Off-Road Park. The big attraction is a Cross Country Race Saturday morning starting at 10:00 that costs $25 to enter and offers a 100% payback. The purse is already at $3,000 and it’s growing. There will be a race for trucks and side by sides. A special event will happen at the conclusion of the race when the last living Medal of Honor Recipient living in Missouri, Donald “Doc” Ballard, will present the checks to the winners of the Cross Country Race. Food will be available each day. Spectators are welcome to attend as are those who wish to ride trails as open trail riding will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the grounds. As a special treat for the kids on Saturday, an artificial snow machine will create snow for everyone to enjoy. The 2nd Annual Ron’s “Race for a Reason” will benefit The American Volunteers, a community service group of veterans and supporters. For more information about this special family friendly Labor Day event, you can go online to theamericanvolunteers.us, check them out on Facebook, or call Flat Nasty at 729-6668 or 573-548-1112.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of July. During the month, they wrote four equipment repair orders, nine summons to appear in court, 16 warning tickets, and 15 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 11 accidents, two assaults, two burglaries, served four city warrants and three fugitive warrants, one report of disorderly conduct, one dog bite, one report of a domestic assault, four reports of domestic violence, two reports of driving while being intoxicated, three reports of driving while having a license revoked or suspended, one endangering the welfare of a child and three reports of fraud. The department also investigated six reports of possession of a controlled substance and four reports of possession of drug paraphernalia. There were five investigations of property damage, two reports of resisting or interfering with an arrest, 18 reports of stealing, one trespassing and one 96 hour commitment. The police department received 1,359 calls for service during the month and handled 96 walk-ins to the station. They spent 10 hours in court testifying and 10 hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 8,274 miles and arrested 18 males and 11 females during the month of July.

With temperatures expected to be in the 90’s this weekend and into next week, City of Salem Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon is reminding everyone the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Pool at the Salem City park will remain open through Saturday, September 1st. The pool will be open 4:00-7:00 weekdays, noon until 7:00 PM on Saturdays and from 1:00 until 6:00 this Sunday. For questions, call 729-6228.