Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales tax money received in March. For the General Revenues Fund, a total of $101,118.66 was received which is $19,904.33 more than March of 2017, and year to date the sales taxes for general Revenue are up $42,607.39 which is a 20.35% increase over last year. The Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund echoed that of General Revenue for monies collected. The Road and Bridge Fund received $44,525.15 in March compared to $34,814.99 received in March of 2017. That increase from 2017 to 2018 is $9,710.16 which is a 14.65% increase. The Jail Operating Fund received $87,163.49 while the Jail Building Trust took in $87,163.50. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 6420 while only grading will be done on county roads 5400, 5615 and 6040. He said materials would be added to county road 6410 while a crossover pipe and materials are added to Dent County Road 2470. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2360, 4020 and 4410, while materials would be added and brush will be cut on county road 4060. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles stated he attended the MRPC meeting where a lot of discussion was centered on President Trump’s federal Focus on improving infrastructure. Skiles said he and Commissioners Larson and Purcell attended the South Central County Commissioners meeting in Houston last Friday. He said they heard from Mike Pace from the Missouri Highway Commission who discussed funding issues to get road work done. Skiles said the group heard from State Senator Mike Cunningham and State Representatives Robert Ross and Jeff Pogue as well as representatives from 8th District Representative Jason Smith’s office and Senator Clair McCaskill’s office. All three commissioners agreed it was a good meeting. Skiles updated those in attendance on the jail project saying the commission is still working with Shive/Hattery on design work. He also said the county has been working with the city on getting title to Water Street that helps move the footprint of the project to help with parking issues. Skiles said the decision on when to put out bids has been delayed a bit as the county and Shive/Hattery watch to see what is happening with the state legislature on the topic of prevailing wage. He said bids would likely be going out late this summer on the project. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts, and her office also balanced with the collector and assessor on collections, add-ons and abatements. Curley said absentee voting continues at her office and that the last day to mail out an absentee ballot is March 28th. She went on to say her office would be open on Saturday, March 31st from 8:00 until noon for those who want to vote absentee. Curley wants to remind those that you must have a photo ID to vote in the April 3rd election. If you have questions, please call 729-4144. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a number of reports. On Friday, March 2nd, deputies took a theft report. It was reported that mail had been stolen from a mailbox on Dent County Road 6580. This report is still under investigation. On Sunday March 4th, deputies conducted a traffic stop at Dent County Road 6480 and Route YY. The driver, a 42-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked. During the arrest, a metal smoking device with marijuana residue was located on him. He was fingerprinted, issued citations, and released. Later that day deputies responded to Dent County Road 6460 for a report of property damage. It was discovered that a gate and gate post were damaged. This report is still under investigation. After that deputies responded to the 10000 block of Route H for a property damage report. It was discovered that a mailbox had been damaged. On Monday March 5th, deputies took a report of a vehicle being broke into on Highway 119. It was reported that a 2001 Ford Ranger was broke into and a blue mag flashlight, jumper cables, a socket set and miscellaneous wrenches were stolen. Later that day deputies traveled to a residence on Dent County Road 4155 to look for a runaway juvenile. A consent to search the residence was obtained and conducted and the juvenile was not located. What was located inside the residence was a silver metal tray with two pipes with burnt marijuana residue, a metal grinder and four plastic baggies with green leafy plant matter (marijuana). A 27-year old Salem woman was arrested, fingerprinted, issued citations, and released. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) and Phelps County Public Housing Agency (PHA) Family Self-Sufficiency program will host a free workshop this Friday in St. James on “Tackling the Tough Skills: Problem Solving.” This workshop is the fourth in a series of five that will cover topics such as attitude, responsibility, communication, problem solving and preparing for the workplace. All workshops are held from 10:00 in the morning until to noon at Phelps County PHA located at #4 Industrial Drive in St. James presented by Christy Saylor, the Missouri Ozarks Community Action (MOCA) county projects coordinator. These free training workshops are a part of MRPC and PHA’s efforts to help prepare families by making them aware of the resources available to assist with self-sufficiency. Free training classes are a part of MRPC and PHA’s efforts to help prepare families by making them aware of the resources available to assist with self-sufficiency. Each participant who attends will receive a $25 Wal-Mart gift card, as long as they meet income qualifications. For information or to RSVP, call Savannah Vandegriffe at 265-4200 ext. 132.

Salem High School Principal Marty Anderson released a statement that Friday night, March 9th, the school received a report of a possible threat to the Salem R-80 School by a high school student. A comment was posted on Snapchat and was forwarded to district officials by students, plus they received messages from parents with concerns. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and an investigation followed. The student was identified as 17-year Manual Lee of Salem. He was arrested Saturday and has been charged with a felony in the 1st Degree for issuing a terrorist threat. The threat came after supposed incidents involving Lee occurred at the school on Friday. Anderson in his statement said that although the school does not believe there is an existing threat, a police presence will be in and around school today for precautionary purposes as student safety is a top priority.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has a report from Wednesday March 7th. Dent County Deputies conducted a search at a residence on West Franklin Street. A small child was located in the residence seated in a “Johnny Jumper” next to a mattress on the floor. A glass-smoking device with a crystalline substance was on a small table next to the bed. The glass-smoking device was approximately 5 feet from the child. A baggie containing a clear crystalline substance (methamphetamine) and cigarette pack with a green leafy plant matter was located on the same table. All within easy reach of the child. The parents to the child were located in a bedroom. Arrested and incarcerated were 35-year old Charles Martin of Salem on a 1st degree Class B felony charge of drug trafficking, 1st degree Class D felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a Class D felony possession charge of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). His bond was set at $150,000 cash only. Also arrested was 28-year old April Brawley of Salem on a 1st degree Class D felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Her bond was set at $20,000 cash only. If anyone has any information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday, March 1st at 11:51 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a traffic accident at Highway 32 and Macarthur. The investigation of the accident led to the arrest of a 51-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday evening, March 3rd at 6:18, an officer was sent to the Mobil service station located at Missouri Highway 32 and Highway 19, in reference to the theft of fuel. The investigation of the report revealed an unknown female pumped fuel valued at $30.13 and left without paying. The report is under investigation. Earlier that morning at about 3:10, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 34-year old male of Salem for driving while being drugged, possession of methamphetamine and driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was released pending an application for a warrant. On Sunday afternoon, March 4th at about 3:48, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 28-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $26.55. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. If you have any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

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

Salem High School hosted the SCA Quiz Bowl Tournament on Thursday, March 8th. Salem took Second Place in both Varsity and Junior Varsity divisions. Thayer took first place with 390 points to Salem’s 360 points, a matter of three questions. Meanwhile, Salem JV took on Thayer JV in the JV Finals. Salem took second place with Thayer winning first place by only 20 points. Several Salem players earned Individual Medals. In the Varsity Division, Richard Parks took the Third Place medal, Jacob Stacy took the Fourth Place medal, and Olivia Erway took the Sixth Place medal. In the Junior Varsity Division, Katrina Parks took the First Place Individual medal, Emma Schott took the Third Place medal, and Martin Jones took home the Sixth Place medal. The Varsity Team is comprised of Jacob Stacy, Richard Parks, Olivia Erway, Sam Swindell, Jordan Fulton, and Quin Blankenship. Playing for the Junior Varsity team are Katrina Parks, Emma Schott, Martin Jones, and Kaylee Avery. Salem will next travel to Houston in April for the District Quiz Bowl Tournament.

The Dent County Commissioners met Thursday morning for their regular meeting in the Dent County Courthouse. Due to the death of Dent County Clerk Angie Curley’s grandmother and illness in the County Clerk’s office, Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles recorded the minutes of the meeting. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 5620, 6380, 6420 and 6280, while two crossover pipes would be installed and materials would be added to county road 2470. Purcell noted that Wednesday he received a call about a broken limb on Dent County Road 5380. Upon inspection it was determined that the limb, which had broken off and had become lodged on another, was too high to safely be removed. Purcell added that he had received a call inviting the Commissioners to a meeting in Shannon County about the feral hog problem. He said the meeting was being sponsored by Farm Bureau and the Cattlemen’s Association and would be held March 22nd at 7:00 pm at the old gym in Eminence. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson said that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4030, 2020 and 2083, plus materials would be added to county road 2200. He added that grading would be done and materials would be added on county road 5300, and that brush would be cut on county road 3330. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that he would be attending a Meramec Regional Enhancement Corporation meeting Thursday afternoon and the MRPC meeting Thursday night. Skiles extended the County’s condolences to Angie Curley on the loss of her grandmother. Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock was in to present the Commissioners with the Collector’s Annual Settlement Form 205 and answer questions. He noted that the collections for March 1, 2017 through February 28, 2018, which is the County Collectors fiscal year, were $7,854,195.70. It was noted that the collections were up $530,000.00 when compared to the previous year. The next meeting of the Commissioners will Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Conservation Federation of Missouri thank the thousands of Missouri deer hunters who donated 289,292 pounds of venison to the state’s Share the Harvest program this past deer season. The donated deer meat will help feed hungry Missourians all around the state. This season’s total of 289,292 pounds of venison included nearly 5,600 whole deer. Hunters donated 198,277 pounds of venison the year before. Since the program was started in 1992, Share the Harvest has provided nearly 4 million pounds of lean, healthy venison to help feed hungry Missourians. Share the Harvest is coordinated by MDC and CFM. It works by deer hunters donating their extra venison to more than 100 participating meat processors throughout the state who grind the deer meat into ready-to-use packages. The packaged venison is then given to local food banks and food pantries for distribution to Missourians in need of food assistance. For more information on Share the Harvest, visit short.mdc.mo.gov/Zoz.

Thom Haines from the National Forest Service wants to remind youngsters between the ages of 15 and 18 that they have the opportunity to be a part of the Youth Conservation Corps this summer in the Salem Forest District. The program is a summer youth employment opportunity that engages young people in meaningful work experiences on the Mark Twain National Forest. Interested youngsters must be at least 15 years of age at the start of the program and cannot turn 19 years of age before the completion of the program. They have to be a US Citizen, must have a Social Security Number and be able to be at work on time starting May 29th and lasting through July 20th. If a youngster cannot commit to the entire eight week program, please do not apply. YCC members are expected to work up to eight hours a day for a total of 40 hours per week, and will be paid the minimum wage. Youngsters interested should be aware this is outdoor physical work and they will be exposed to insects, adverse weather as well as poison ivy and oak. Applications for the program are available at the Salem High School in Ms. Adamick’s office and at the Forest Service Office on Highway 19 south behind Mobil. Three people will be selected with one boy and one girl selected randomly from all applications submitted, while the other applicant will be selected based on their application. For more information, call the Forest Service Office at 729-6656.

There will be a meeting for those interested in becoming vendors at the Salem Farmers Market this year on Thursday, March 15th at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce office starting at 7:00. Stop by if you are interested, but if you can’t make it to the meeting, call Tom at 247-7952 to get details about becoming a vendor.

The Salem Area Community Betterment Association will hold their annual “Trivia Night” on Friday, March 16th at the Salem Community Center@ The Armory starting at 6:00. There will be ten categories with ten questions in each category. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams as well as the team with the cleverest name. The 1st place team will receive $200 cash and take home the annual traveling trophy. The cost is $100 per team at a table which can be made up of as many as eight players. Soft drinks and popcorn will be served, but teams are welcome to bring dinner in for your team at your table. For more information or to reserve your table, call Judy at 573-729-8163 or e-mail her at judy@salemcommunitycenter.org. “Trivia Night” will be hosted by David Massengale and is a major fundraiser for SACBA and they work they do in the community. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the fun!

The Salem Police Department released this accident report that occurred Monday morning, February 26th, at approximately 7:51. According to the report, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Z-71 4X4 was eastbound in the outer lane on Highway 32 approaching Chafin when the driver, Timothy Riggs of Salem, passed out due to a medical issue. The Chevrolet veered to the left crossing all traffic lanes and ran off the Highway 32 into the north ditch. The Chevrolet made contact with the Intercounty Electric primary pole and the CenturyLink telephone pedestal box on the southeast corner of Chafin. The Chevrolet then continued for 260 feet northeast across the Lighthouse Assembly Church property, made contact with a wide ditch, became temporarily airborne and final came to rest wet of Sinclair County Fuels. Riggs stated that he was eastbound when he started feeling weak and passed out and when he awoke he was in the ditch west of County Fuels. The events of the accident were verified by a witness. Riggs suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital by private means. The Chevrolet, the electric pole, and the telephone pedestal box all sustained extensive damage, while there was minor damage to the cable lines and church landscape.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a few reports. On Sunday, February 25th, deputes conducted a traffic stop at Route ZZ and Route K. The driver, a 33-year old Columbia man, was arrested for possession of marijuana. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. On Monday, February 26th, deputies received a report of a stolen ATV from the 900 block of Route O. Reported stolen was a green 1999 Polaris Magnum 500 CC. This report is still under investigation. On Friday, March 2nd, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Highway 19 South. Two baggies of marijuana were located in the vehicle and the driver, a 37-year old Beulah, Missouri female was arrested. She was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released. Later that day, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 2480 near Highway 32. A consent to search the vehicle was given and was conducted by deputies and a baggie with residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine was located. The driver, a 37-year old Salem woman, was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. Charges are being sought for possession of a controlled substance. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The “Gift of Grace” Annual Banquet for the Riverways Pregnancy and Family Resource Center will be held Tuesday, March 20th at 6:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. RSVP by Monday, March 12th to 739-4673 if you want to attend. The doors will open at 5:30.

The Salem Park Board met Thursday night at City Hall Council Chambers. Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon gave an update on the Outdoor Adventure Camp, Youth Soccer, Alice Lou Craig Swimming Pool, Lifeguards, and Summer Kick off Sponsorship. The Outdoor Adventure Camp will offer a number of different activities for children and will start June 2nd. It will be held from 8:00 in the morning until noon, Monday-Friday. Each camper will receive a free healthy lunch. A person will come each day of the week through June and teach different skills. The cost of the total camp has not yet been determined, but Lydon wants to have an option of allowing participants to be able to pay day to day. Lydon said the Youth Soccer League will start April 7th through 28th on four consecutive Saturdays with five different age groups with more players this year than last. He reported on the work being done on the pool. New guttering is in place around the pool and through the shallow end for water return. The piping has been completed in the shallow end, and the concrete is being readied to be poured for the deck, zero depth area and behind the gutters. Crews are still working in the pump room. The pool will be completed by the 1st week of May. Lydon said he is still accepting lifeguard applications and he has 15 guards that are already hired. They will take part in the lifeguard training course taught at the swimming pool from May 21st-25th. He will have 5-6 guards at the pool at all time due to the water features and high volume of swimmers. Lydon reported Fidelity Communications will sponsor our bandstand at the Summer Kick off June 2nd. The sponsorship is $500 and they will have their banner on the stage. Lydon also reported on a grant he applied for called “Pitch in for Baseball.” This grant is for gently used Baseball equipment and he received that grant. Once soccer season is finished and signups for baseball takes place, he will know how much equipment he will need. Tye reported that Church League Signups are going on now for $250/team and the league will be on Monday nights starting April 2nd. The board discussed two Pool House bids that were received. The bid for renovation was advertised as required by ordinance and 2 bids were received. Cahill’s Construction Co. and Westport Pool Co. bid, but Cahill’s proposal did not have a stated dollar amount in the packet and was deemed to be an RFQ. After discussion, the board voted to recommend the Westport Pool Company’s proposal with option to change the sound system to the Board of Aldermen who approved the recommendation. Pool fees were also discussed but no decision was made yet on single day admission, family passes and parties. Joyce Bradley, with the Salem Garden Club came in to discuss planting seven additional trees at the entrance of the City Park that they will play for. The board approved recommending her proposal to the aldermen and the alderman approved the recommendation. Bradley presented the board with an idea for an Park Entrance sign that would be easy to see and read from both directions that would be made out of stone. The Garden Club will put $500 toward the sign and hoped the concrete work could be provided by the city. The meeting was then adjourned.

The deadline to sign up for the “Freeze Branding Workshop” at the University of Missouri Wurdack Farm, near Cook Station this Friday is TODAY! The workshop will be held from 3:00 to 5:30. The program is hosted by the University of Missouri Extension. There are still some openings available for those interested. The cost of the workshop is $10 per person. This workshop is designed to provide participants with “hands-on” training required to successfully administer freeze brands to their livestock. Topics for the workshop will include all necessary steps required for properly freeze branding livestock using liquid nitrogen or dry ice, as well as information pertaining to the Missouri Brand Law. To provide hands-on instruction, participants will have the opportunity to assist in freeze branding replacement heifers at MU Wurdack Farm. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Ted Cunningham, Livestock Specialist at the Dent County MU Extension Office at 729-3196.

An accident happened in Dent County on Route C about five miles west of Salem Tuesday morning at 5:30. According to the highway payroll report, a 1994 Chevrolet Silverado driven westbound by 36-year old Randy Turner of Edgar Springs, crossed the centerline and struck head-on an eastbound 2006 Ford Freestyler driven by 35-year old Jovan Young of Rolla. Young suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital before being flown to SSM St. Clare Health Care in Fenton. Young was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Turner was not. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident and were removed by American Muffler and Tire.

The Salem Area Arts Council is sponsoring “Art Across the Ages” now through March 30th at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center (ONCRC) in Salem to celebrate Youth Art Month. This is a wonderful display of the amazing talent found within this area, and the work of artists of all ages and all types of media. The display is free to visit at the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center is located at 202 South Main in Salem.
Sports

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams was in attendance and reported on the CART taxes received in February. The CART funds received this year was $55,925.21 which was down $1,348.50 from the 2017 February CART funds. Year-to-date however, Dent County is down 48 cents for the first two months of 2018 compared to the first two months of 2017. Williams also brought in the monies from the National Forest as part of the Secure Rural School Act and they were up over $32,000 from last year. Monies received this year were $166,888.16 and those are divided up between five schools and the county Road and Bridge Department. Road and Bridge received $41,722.04 while Salem R-80 gets $30,615.64, Oak Hill R-1 will receive $25,283.56, Northwood R-4 will get $1,063.90, Viburnum C-4 School will receive $19,763.73 and the Bunker R-3 School District will get $48,439.29. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said workers will be cleaning out crossover pipes on a number of roads and also replacing missing road signs. Purcell did say a crew would be removing a downed tree on Dent County Road 5615. He also is asking people to please be responsible with their hay bale net wraps as they are blowing out of trucks and creating problems. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated that a backhoe would be cleaning out low water crossings and around bridges. Larson said a crew would be out checking roads for washouts. Larson went on to say materials would be added on county road 3260 and brush would be cut on county road 3080. Larson also stated crews would be hauling in rock to stock pile at the shed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind everyone about the SACBA Trivia Night to be held March 16th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. The cost to reserve a table is $100. For more information, contact Judy at 729-8163. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the last day to register to vote in the April 3rd Municipal Election will be Wednesday, March 7th. Curley did say absentee voting continues until April 2nd. At the last meeting, Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock brought in the delinquent books and updated the commission with year-end totals. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting Monday night at the City Hall Council Chambers. The board approved the bid from Wayde’s Equipment in Cuba for a Kubota Tractor with loader for $26,935 and also approved the bid for the renovation of the pool house of $418,791.82 to Westport Pools. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon gave a Park Board report that included a new Adventure Camp for kids 6 and older starting June 4th and lasting hopefully through July. He said 211 children signed up for the Soccer program which is a 10% increase over last year. He said he is looking for more lifeguards for the pool and that training will be available May 21st through the 25th at the new pool. He also brought a recommendation by the Park Board to have the Salem Garden Club and students plant additional trees near the entrance to the city park at no cost to the city, and also erect a new stone sign at the entrance to the park. The board approved the request. City Administrator Ray Walden said the Salem Community Center@ The Armory had 2,149 participants to events in February. He said the second Visionary meeting was held there February 26th with some good input, and that the departments are preparing their budgets for the next fiscal year. Mayor Brad Nash said parking is becoming an issue on Grand Street by the Salem Treatment Center and requested a study be done by Officer Allen Kimrey to determine if there needs to be no parking on one or both sides of that road. The board approved Bill #3262 which amends the Salem City Code for user fees for the Salem City Hall and adds new sections pertaining to user regulations. The board also approved Bill #3365 that allows the mayor to execute amendment #2 to the state block grant agreement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to extend the Master Plan/Airport Layout Plan Project from April 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018. The board went on to approve Bill #3366 that allows the mayor to execute an agreement between the city of Salem and Austin Peters Group, Inc. for Economic Development Director Recruitment Services. City Attorney William Camm Seay recommend to the board the city follow state statutes for those who want to annex their property in to the city limits. He said to have the petitioner bear all the costs and responsibilities, not the city which is what it is currently in the city policies. The board approved. He also asked if money could be set aside in the budget for the Planning and Zoning Ordinances to be brought up to date with the new 2012 building codes as there are many inconsistencies with many of the properties zoned many years ago. Seay will look into what it may cost to get that done, but the city will also look to the MRPC and possibly others for input or suggestions. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Cosmopolitan Clubs 67th Annual Miss Salem Contest and Variety Show was held Saturday night to a large crowd. The 2018 Miss Salem was crowned at the event and the honor went to Katelyn Schwartz, sponsored by Schwartz Auto Salvage. The 1st Runner-Up went to Olivia Erway sponsored by Erway Insurance and Financial Services, Inc; and the 2nd Runner-Up went to Mackenzie Thompson, sponsored by Lake Road Steel. The Personality Award which is voted on by the girls was presented to Katelyn Schwartz. Congratulations to all the participants as well as the entertainment in making this year’s show a success!.

Thursday morning at 6:30, Salem resident Jim Freeman fired the pistol to open the 2018 catch-and-keep trout season in Missouri at Montauk State Park. The first day was a good one at Montauk with overcast skies and a few sprinkles as 2,066 adult trout tags were sold that day with another 172 children’s tags being sold for a total turnout of 2,238. The largest lunker caught on opening day went to Richard Hall of Waynesville who caught a rainbow weighing in at 6 pounds and 4 ounces. The second largest lunker was brought in by Frank Ganschinietz of Boss at five pounds and seven ounces and it was also a rainbow trout. The largest trout caught opening day by a woman went to Kim Woodson of St. James who reeled in a rainbow at three pounds and two ounces. The catch and keep season remains open in Missouri until October 31st.

An accident occurred Saturday night at 9:50 in Dent County on Dent County Road 6400 about 5 miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by 17-year old Autumn Manthey of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. Manthey and a passenger, 18-year old Dylan Berry of Salem, both suffered minor injuries. Berry was transported to Salem Memorial Hospital, while Manthey sought her own treatment. The Jeep sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

A Salem man was involved in a chain reaction accident that occurred in St. Louis County Thursday morning at 6:08 on northbound Interstate 270 north of Dorsett. According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Honda Civic, driven by 46-year old Nidal Othman of Valley Park; a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder driven by 40- year old Piyush Mishra of Maryland Heights; and a 2011 Ford F-150 driven by 30-year old Timothy Landlois of Hillsboro, were all stopped for a crash. At that time, a 2011 Chevrolet Express 2500, driven by 32-year old Jonathan Smith of Salem, began to slide and struck the rear of the Ford causing it to strike the rear of the Nissan. The Nissan traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck the concrete median, then struck the rear of the Honda, which then struck a 2011 Gillig Bus, driven by 55-year old Sarah Love of Florissant. The Chevrolet then struck the concrete median. Timothy Landois and Jonathan Smith suffered moderate injuries and were transported to SSM Health DePaul Hospital by Pattonville Ambulance. Passengers in the bus, 27-year old Courtney Couch and 25-year old Rozlyn Smith, both of St. Louis, suffered minor injuries and were transported to SSM Health DePaul Hospital by Maryland Heights Fire Department, while Sarah Love suffered minor injuries and was transported to SSM Health DePaul by Creve Coeur Fire Department. Safety restraints were worn by all of the occupants that were required to. Damage to the vehicles ranged from minor to extensive.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The Board will hear bids for a new Kubota Tractor for the electric department and also hear bids for the pool house renovation. After the consent agenda, City Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon will report on the Park Board meeting held on March 1st. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report and Mayor Brad Nash will follow with his report. The board will hear three bills and discuss them before deciding on their approval. The first, Bill #3362, is a bill to create an ordinance for amending the user fees for the use of the Salem City Hall Auditorium as well as adding some user regulations. The second bill, Bill #3365, is a bill that would authorize Mayor Nash to execute Amendment #2 of the State Block Grant Agreement between the City of Salem and the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to extend the Master Plan and airport layout plan project from April 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018. The last bill, Bill #3366 would authorize the mayor to sign an agreement between the City of Salem and the Austin Peters Group, Inc. for Economic Development Director recruitment services. In new and miscellaneous business, City Attorney William Camm Seay will discuss with the board the City of Salem annexation procedures and will also discuss updating the city’s ordinances to match the current city building codes. The meeting will then adjourn. The regular meeting tonight is open to the public.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY YOUR WORLD TODAY!!

Today marks the 27th anniversary of the first edition of Your World Today that was published in 1991 that actually had a St. Patrick’s Day green shell. Your World Today was actually born from an idea in the late 1980’s to provide Salem with something daily to read from a conversation between Steve Smith of Smith Sign Company and KSMO”s General Manager Stan Podorski. It took over two years for the idea to become a reality with the help of businesses willing to take a chance on something new. The top story included the results for the opening day at Montauk, the alderman meeting agenda for that evening, some obituaries and sports news. Your World Today was distributed to 18 businesses that first day in Salem. Known also as the “little blue paper,” Your World Today is now available in over 40 locations in Salem, Bunker and at Echo Bluff. Two advertisers from that first edition are still advertising in YWT in the same page locations in the paper: C&E Auto and Roberts-Judson Lumber Company. In 1999, Your World Today was the first media to go online in Dent County allowing people to read the same content in the daily paper on their computers. KSMO Radio wants to thank all those advertisers over the years that have made it possible to continue provide Your World Today to the community absolutely FREE. All of us at KSMO Radio also want to thank everyone who has picked up and read Your World Today in town over the years, or who has read it online. Without you, Your World Today would not be here today!

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in two quarterly transfers to be made from the Salem Senior Center Fund. The first was for the Salem Nutrition site for $13,750 and the second was for the SMTS Bus for $6,750. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 5220, also known as the Quarry Road, and also on Dent County Road 5610. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4430 and 5280 while materials would be added and patch grading would be done on county roads 2370 and 2380. Larson stated a pipe would be put in on county road 6160 and materials would also be added to that road, plus a pipe would be installed on Dent County Road 3370. Larson indicated materials were also going to be added to Dent County Road 5300 and brush would be cut on county road 3080. Presiding Commission Darrell Skiles reported on the Ozark Rivers Solid waste Management District Executive Board meeting Tuesday in St. James where they went over the current budget. They also discussed future funding needs for the tire collection program in the next budget year. The program is fine for this year, but it is getting harder to find uses for the tires once they are collected. Skiles stated all three commissioners attended the “Meramec Morning” at the Salem Community Center@The Armory Wednesday morning. Skiles said the MRPC staff did a fine job explaining what they do for the counties in their region and also what they can do to help businesses in the region as well. Skiles said the staff told him the meeting in Salem so far has drawn the most people. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported the last day to register for the April 3rd election will be Wednesday, March 7th. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Monday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Cosmopolitan Club’s 67th Annual Miss Salem Contest and Variety Show will be held this Saturday night at 7:00 at the Salem City Hall Auditorium featuring sixteen contestants. The contestants this year include Savanna Tuttle, Kalahn Shelby, Abigail Kilman, Kirsten Golden, Alexa Hinds-Karnes, Mackenzie Whitaker, Stephanie Webber, Taylor Smith, Kenisha Steinbarger, Lauren Grogan, MaKinna Shalbot, Olivia Erway, Caitlyn Roderman, Katelyn Schwartz, Mackenzie Thompson and Faith Roberts. The Master of Ceremonies will be David Massengale, with Cosmopolitan Club President Catherine Dent narrating the show. There will be several dance numbers directed by Linda Maledy and performed by students of all ages. The variety show will also include the Upper Elementary Teachers and Friends performing a comedy skit, and a Zumba routine directed by Jackie Sisco. The cost of admission is $5.00 for anyone five years of age and older. Those under five can get in free.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Sunday, February 18th at about 8:41 in the morning, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 200 block of South Jackson reference property damage. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown broke the back glass valued $204.00 on a gray 2008 Dodge Durango. The report is under investigation. That same afternoon at approximately 3:48, an officer was dispatched to Walmart reference a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 23-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Tuesday, February 20th at about 2:02 in the afternoon, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 34-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license expired. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and was released. That evening at about 8:29, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. That investigation led to the arrest of a 56-year-old female of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

The University of Missouri Extension will host a “Freeze Branding Workshop” at the University of Missouri Wurdack Farm, near Cook Station, from 3:00 to 5:30 Friday afternoon, March 9th. This workshop is designed to provide participants with “hands-on” training required to successfully administer freeze brands to their livestock. Topics for the workshop will include all necessary steps required for properly freeze branding livestock using liquid nitrogen or dry ice, as well as information pertaining to the Missouri Brand Law. To provide hands-on instruction, participants will have the opportunity to assist in freeze branding replacement heifers at MU Wurdack Farm. The cost of the workshop is $10 per person. The class size is limited, and reservations are required by Wednesday, March 7th. For more information or to reserve a space, contact Ted Cunningham, Livestock Specialist at the Dent County MU Extension Office at 729-3196.

An accident occurred on in Phelps County on State Route CC Tuesday afternoon at 3:45. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 International Tractor pulling a trailer driven by Scott Bunton of Rolla was eastbound when the load being pulled shifted, causing the driver to overcorrect and the front of the vehicle to strike the ground. Bunton then traveled off the right side of the roadway, striking a mail box and trashcans. Bunton was wearing a safety device and suffered minor injuries and sought his own treatment. The International Tractor sustained extensive damage and was towed by I-44 towing.