Local News

The public comment period is open on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). A draft of the 2019-2023 Statewide
Transportation Improvement Program that builds on MoDOT’s long-range transportation plan, financial forecast, asset management plan and the prioritization of project needs at the local level by planning partners has been presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. Transportation Planning Director Machelle Watkins told commissioners the draft STIP includes 1,319 projects, which for the most part will maintain the system in the condition it is in today. On average, this STIP annually invests in 586 lane miles of interstate pavements, 1,065 miles of major route pavements, 2,754 miles of minor route pavements and 172 bridges. According to MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna, community input is critically important to the process of prioritizing local needs and putting the STIP together. The STIP represents MoDOT’s commitment to Missourians of the projects that will be developed and delivered over the next five years. To make a comment, go online to www.modot.org.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History presents the “Great American Campout Challenge” this Friday starting at 6:30 p.m. The challenge will be hosted by Janet Price, a naturalist of Moonshadow Moments, LLC, formerly of Johnson’s Shut-Ins. Everyone from seasoned campers to newbies are welcome to attend and will have fun with this challenge! This program is appropriate for all ages and is especially family-friendly. The cost is $1.00 per person or $5.00/family, regardless of the number, which includes a light snack. Phone reservations are requested to plan for snacks and activities. Please call the Bonebrake Center at 729.3400 for more information or register. The Bonebrake Center is located at 601 North Hickory Street in Salem, at the corner of North Hickory Street and East Rolla Road.

New Medicare cards are on their way to everyone enrolled in the program. Cards will be mailed automatically and free of charge. People should be wary of anyone calling to offer assistance with the cards or to request money or personal information. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for your Social Security number or bank information, Procter says to hang up. Scammers may even threaten to cancel your benefits if you don’t give up information but Medicare will never ask for your Social Security number or bank information. The new cards are intended to provide more privacy protection than the old cards, which used Social Security numbers as identifiers. The mailings, which began in April, are coming in waves. Missouri’s cards are due to be mailed after June 2018, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS offers a few tips and things to know about the new cards: You can and should destroy your old card when the new one arrives. You can start using your new card immediately. If you are using a Medicare Advantage plan, the card for that plan is still your main Medicare card, so you need to keep it and be ready to show it to providers. They may also ask you to show the new card. If someone asks you for your information or money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call Medicare toll-free at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). If you suspect identity theft or worry that you gave your personal information to someone you shouldn’t have, contact the Federal Trade Commission toll-free at 877-438-4338. For more information about the new Medicare cards, visit medicare.gov/newcard.

According to State Auditor Nicole Galloway, former Viburnum City Clerk Dana Mayberry has pled guilty to receiving stolen property, a Class B Felony. In a statement she released on her plea, “Officials that violate the public’s trust and use their position to enrich themselves must be held accountable” Galloway stated she was grateful for law enforcement and Iron County Prosecuting Attorney Brian Parker for working with her to seek justice for taxpayers in Viburnum. Auditor Galloway released the results of the city of Viburnum audit report last year. The audit identified more than $100,000 in fraudulent activities over a number of years. She promises to keep trying to get the legislature to finally pass legislation that would provide law enforcement with the tools they need to more swiftly combat fraud and public corruption.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson was not in attendance due to a death in his immediate family. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated the southern half of Dent County received about an inch of rain Friday night and another 1 ¾ inches Saturday. Although there was minimal additional damages to the roads, crews were out repairing the washouts as needed. Purcell said materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2460, 2490 and 5015. He also said just grading would be done on county roads 4225 and 5650 while brush was going to be cut on county road 6670. Sam Gorman, Road Supervisor for District 2, gave the report for the district and said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2313, 2580, 2610, 2613, 4410 and 6160. He went on to say materials were going to be added to county roads 2630 and 2640. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles indicated he would be attending the Ozark River Solid Waste Management full council meeting today. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the sales taxes receipt numbers that came in this month. For the General Revenue Fund and Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund, monies received were $88,056.27 which is more than $10,000 over the June 2017 figure, and brings the year-to-date increase up to $66,624.52 over last year. That is an increase in sales tax revenue of 16.2% over 2017 in those funds. The Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund received $39,443.27 which is about $4,250 more than the 2017 June figure of $35,180.93. Year-to-date, the Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund is up $23,228.98 over 2017 and that comes to an increase of about 12.25%. The two jail funds each received in June $78,561.31 in sales tax money. 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 Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Sunday, June 3rd, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 West. The driver, a 35-year old Salem woman, was arrested on several warrants and as well as driving without having a valid license. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On Monday, June 4th, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 3190 for a report of property damage. It was reported that an Intercounty Electric box had been shot with a firearm. This report is still under investigation. On Thursday, June 7th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 400 block of Dent County Road 4220 to attempt to serve an arrest warrant. The 40-year old Salem man was located and arrested. A consent to search his bedroom was granted and a Suboxone strip and red straw that had residue on it field tested positive for methamphetamine were found. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation should contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

An accident happened in Phelps County on Route KK about 4.5 miles east of St. James Sunday afternoon at 3:36. According to the highway patrol report, 29-year old Tracey Earls of Cuba was driving a 2005 Chevy Impala westbound when she crossed the centerline and struck a 2013 Kubota Tractor also driven westbound by 46-year old Michael Ripplemeyer of St. James causing the tractor to overturn. The Chevy traveled off the right side of the roadway. Ripplemeyer suffered serious injuries and was flown to the Mercy Creve Coeur Hospital via Phelps Air Ambulance. Earls suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical by the North Crawford County Ambulance. The Chevy and the Kubota both had extensive damages and were towed from the scene by Spurgeon’s Towing.

Echo Bluff State Park invites the public to an informational meeting at 4:00 this Saturday afternoon at the park’s Betty Lea Lodge. The public is invited to share comments about the park and its operations. Park staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Input from the public is important to Missouri State Parks. These informational meetings help create two-way communication with the public. The meetings give staff the opportunity to let people know the current status and future plans for the park or historic site, and they offer visitors the opportunity to comment on the facilities. Echo Bluff State Park is located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence. For more information about the meeting or about other events at the park, call 573-751-5211.

The Salem Police Department has released a number of reports. On Friday morning, June 1st, at 1:47 a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-year old male of Harviell, Missouri for driving while being drugged. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that morning at approximately 8:42, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1400 block of South Macarthur in reference to trespassing. The investigation of the report revealed that a 40-year old male of Salem had entered upon a property he had been previously instructed not to enter upon. The suspect was taken into custody for trespassing, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. On Monday night, June 4th, close to 10:35, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft from a residence in the 700 block of East Jack. That investigation revealed a male suspect and a female suspect took items from a residence valued at $550.00. The report is under investigation. Then Tuesday night, June 5th, at about 11:41 a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 54-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Wednesday morning, June 6th, at approximately 4:14, an officer was conducting a narcotics investigation near the 1000 block of West Coffman. During the investigation a 25- year old male of Salem was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was taken into custody, issued a summons to appear in court, and released. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:25 an officer was contacted in reference to a burglary and theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown entered a residence in the 900 block of South Oak and took items valued at $882.00. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

Missouri farmers are being asked to respond to a land rent survey, says University of Missouri Extension economist Ray Massey. A report compiled from the anonymous survey responses will help landowners and renters make better decisions about lease rates. The survey is issued only in electronic form this year. It takes about five minutes to complete. Massey says he hopes that the new delivery method will encourage landowners and renters to respond. The survey covers criteria such as cash rent cost for cropland, pasture land and fee hunting property, as well as location of land, average yield and storage facilities. MU and partner agencies, including Missouri Farm Bureau, FCS Financial and others, work together to obtain information that helps economists on the local, state and federal level to assess supply and demand for land, as well as production costs and market prices. Survey results also help landowners and renters understand market values in their area. MU conducts the survey every three years and releases a summary online and at its annual ag lending schools. If you did not receive a survey and would like to participate, contact Massey at masseyr@missouri.edu or 573-884-7788.

An accident happened Thursday morning at 11:13 in Dent County on Highway 72 at Dent County Road 3200. According to the highway patrol report, a 1995 GMC Sierra driven north bound by 39-year old Derek Flowers of Vienna, struck the back side of a 2005 Chevy Cobalt driven north by 18-year old Kadi Cossins of Salem. Cossins suffered minor injuries and was transported by the Salem Ambulance to the Salem memorial District Hospital. Cossins and Flowers were each wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Sierra sustained extensive damage while the Chevy was totaled. The Chevy was removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire while the Sierra was secured at the scene. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Fire Protection District and the Salem Ambulance District.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released her office’s regularly scheduled audit of the government of Reynolds County, located in southeast Missouri. The audit, which received an overall rating of good, found several repeat findings from previous audits. The report made recommendations to improve procedures in the Sheriff’s office, including ensuring appropriate oversight of financial transactions. As noted in previous audits, the Sheriff’s office does not issue receipts for bond money received and maintains a bank account outside of the county treasury. Additional repeat findings in the report included needed improvements to controls and procedures over the property tax system and a failure to obtain competitive bids for legal and appraisal services. To see the audit, visit www.auditor.mo.gov and click on the recent news item about Reynolds County.

Thursday, the South Central Drug Task Force and the Dent County Sheriff’s Office concluded a short term narcotics investigation in the 600 block of East Gibbs in Salem. A search warrant was served at a residence in connection with the investigation. As a result of the search warrant officers located and seized suspected methamphetamine packaged for sales and drug paraphernalia. Arrested in connection with the items seized were 51-year old Carla A. Loughridge of Salem and 63-year old Stephen E. Cochran of Salem. They were incarcerated at the Dent County Jail pending warrant applications. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Salem Police Department assisted with the incident. The charges for which Loughridge and Cochran were arrested are only 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 Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Courthouse. Jan Gott from Country Mart
Pharmacy, Sherman Odom from Vandivort Drug, and Kendra Mobray, Administrator of the Dent County Health Center, were all in concerning the proposed Dent County Ordinance to join the St. Louis County Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PCMP). Questions were posed concerning costs, enforcement, and penalties. It was noted that the grant for the program from the Department of Justice is a two-year grant ending in May of 2019. After lengthy discussion, the Commissioners voted 3-0 to postpone adopting an ordinance until more information is obtained. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Roads 5100, 5103 and 5105, plus grading only would be done on county roads 5590 and 5615. He added that he had an operator cleaning flood debris from the bridge on Dent County Road 6080. Purcell went on to say that his crews were also cleaning debris from culverts on Dent County Roads 5105, 6200 and 5030. He said the County’s maintenance program of cleaning culverts and ditches has been beneficial in reducing roadway damages during times of excessive rainfall. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2185, 5320 and 5325, while materials would be added and grading would be done on county roads 2180, 2183 and 4060. He also noted that he had a man cutting limbs on Dent County Road 3230. Deputy Dent County Clerk Crystal Pilkington reported the Clerk’s office balanced with the County Treasurer on all accounts for the month of May and that she was working on verification of signatures on the medical marijuana petition. The next regular meeting of the Commission will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

A special waste collection for electronics, appliances and tires will be held from 8:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 9th in the parking lot of Brewer Science at 2401 Brewer Drive in Rolla. Stoves, washers, dryers, hot water heaters, and other appliances will be collected free of charge. Free electronics also include computer components, laptop computers, keyboards, hair dryers, VCR/DVD players, cell phones or anything that runs on a cord or battery. Oil and gas must be removed from tanks of any items such as push mowers, weed eaters, etc. Fees on certain items will be collected. There will be a fee of $25 collected for CRT TVs over 27 inches and wood console TVs, $20 for CRT TVs under 26 inches, $15 for flat screen TVs, $10 for all computer monitors and refrigerated appliances with freon. Fees for tires are $2 each for passenger tires, $7.50 each for truck tires and $35 each for tractor tires. Program participants are required to unload the items themselves. The collection is open to any households in the Ozark Rivers District. For more information on what is and is not accepted or the fee structure, please contact Jill Hollowell at MRPC at 573-265-2993 Ext. 109.

On Tuesday afternoon at about 3:00, a train collision in a remote canyon outside of Truxton, Arizona, left a Salem man with significant injuries. A freight train belong to BNSF Railway collided with maintenance equipment belonging to Herzog Railroad Services, Inc being pushed by the other train as the equipment had been derailed. A man from Lenexa, KS was killed and 26-year old Matthew Thompson of Salem, Missouri sustained significant injuries. He was airlifted from the scene and taken to the University Medical Center in Southern Nevada where he was listed in stable condition. Thompson was an employee of Herzog Railroad Services. All the occupants in the BNSF train were accounted for and no other injuries were reported.

Highway 106 in Reynolds and Shannon Counties will be reduced to one lane as Missouri Department of Transportation crews seal the roadway with a mixture of rock and oil. This section of roadway is located from Highway 21 to Route H. Weather permitting, this work will take place starting on Monday and lasting through Thursday, June 14th from 7:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the afternoon daily. Fore more information, log onto to www.modot.org or call 1-888 275 6636.

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, announces that sometime during the month of June, troopers assigned to Troop I will be conducting an impaired driving enforcement patrol in Dent 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.

A number of reports have been released by the Salem Police Department. On Sunday afternoon, May 27th, at about 3:02, an officer was dispatched to Country Mart in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 37-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 28-year old male of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect for assault, property damage and disorderly conduct. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released. Later that afternoon at approximately 4:22, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft from a storage unit. That investigation revealed that a person or persons unknown took items valued at $332.00 from a storage unit located at 404 East Second Street. The report is under investigation. At about 1:35 Tuesday afternoon, May 29th, an officer was dispatched to the Casey’s General Store located on Highway 32 East in reference to a disturbance. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of an intoxicated 36-year old female of Salem for disorderly conduct, assaulting a law enforcement officer, plus the suspect had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and was released to the Dent County Sheriff’s Department. On Wednesday, May 30th, at approximately 9:00 in the morning, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection. The investigation of the report revealed that a 40-year old male of Salem had violated an order of protection. The report is still under investigation. That evening at about 10:51, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1800 block of South Oak Street in reference to a disturbance. That investigation led to the arrest of a 21-year old male of Salem on an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem and another from Dent County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrants and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened Tuesday afternoon at 4:55 on Interstate 44 near Route WW in Franklin County. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 Ford F-250 driven westbound by 37-year old Laura Picker of St. James, had a tire blowout and the pickup truck veered to left and went off the roadway, strking the median cable. The truck continuing going west along the cable struck a median guardrail. Picker suffered serious injuries and was taken by the Sullivan EMS to the Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. A passenger, 17-year old Cacie-Sophia Bedrosian of St. James, suffered moderate injuries and was also taken by the Sullivan EMS to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The Ford was totaled and was removed from the scene by Chuck’s Towing. Picker and Bedrosian were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident.

Tonight at the Creative Arts Center from 7:00 to 9:00, adults can learn about knot-tying in a workshop led by an “old sailor,” Wayne Douglass. The cost of the workshop is $25.00 and all the supplies are provided including the rope and instruction. You will be guided through the process of making a lanyard and even get directions to take home a monkey fist! You do not need to have any experience or talent to try knot tying, just the spirit to learn! Reservations can be made by calling the ONCRC at 729-0029 or Salem Area Arts Council at 247-0279 to arrange payment and secure your spot.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday evening at the fire station. The meeting was called to order and the roll call taken with one member absent. The financial report included bills received and approved along with the budget reviewed and as of the end of May the district had a balance in the general revenue of $186,751.55. On the calendar for June, the department will be at William Lynch for the last day of school, participate in NARCON training as well as training on vehicle fire fighting. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 18 for the month of May including 4 structure fires, 2 brush fires, 3 car fires, 1 landing zone, 4 first responder, 2 vehicle accidents. There has been 149 calls year to date with the average cost per call being $120.82. In old business, the department is working on first responder certifications and Engine 85 is repaired with the total cost being $13,065.98. The Board set July 3rd at 6:00for the next meeting of the board at the Dent County Fire station at #2 South Main Street and is open to the public. The meeting was the adjourned.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the city hall council chambers after a Salem Planning and Zoning Commission hearing and meeting. The board did not receive any bids for Fiberglass Primary Electric Enclosures or the 4/0 Aluminum TRXPLE underground primary wire. Both will have to be rebid. The board did receive two bids for 20-foot and 30-foot utility poles from Bridgewell and McFarlane Cascade. The board went with the bid from McFarlane Cascade as the 30-foot poles are $195 each and the 40-foot poles are $301/each. This is a budgeted item and there is still room in the budget for the purchase. The board received two bids for the electric department for 25 KVA and 37.5 KVA transformers: one from Solomon and the other from T&R Electric. The board went with the T&R Electric bid for 10 25 KVA transformers for $517 each, and five 37.5 KVA transformers for $623 each. The total cost came to $8,285 that falls within the budgeted amount. The board approved the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Board to annex the Al Brown Fields into the city limits along with other city owned property at 400, 402, 500 and 502 N. Water Street. They did table a request from the Walk by Faith Ministries concerning the old Brickhouse Restaurant property as more information was needed. City Administrator Ray Walden said city crews held a work day at the Cedar Grove Cemetery before Memorial Day. He wanted to let people know the city would be picking up storm debris all week as long as people have the limbs and biodegrable bags at their curb side. Walden had Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon give a report on the pool and the Summer Kickoff event at the City Park held Saturday sponsored by the city and Healthy Dent County. A re-dedication of the Alice Lou Craig Municipal Swimming Pool was held followed by free swimming where the pool was literally packed with people. The movie was postponed due to the weather, but it will be rescheduled at a later date. Lydon did say the new healthy foods added to the menu were selling very well at the concession stand. The board approved bill #3389 creating an ordinance that will allow Premier Pyrotechnics to shoot off the fireworks for the 2018 Independence Day fireworks display at The Commons. The board approved the appointment of Josh Gordon to the Library Board to replace Will Hubbs who no longer lives in the city limits and had to resign. They also approved the purchase of cold mix for street repair from Capital materials for $4,319.70 before going into closed session.

The Salem Police Department has released more reports. On Friday night, May 25th, at about 8:21, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of a 26-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $8.10. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday afternoon, May 26th, close to 5:41, an officer transported a 20-year-old male of Black, MO from Howes Mill to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Later that same afternoon at about 5:50, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That Investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year old male and a 26- year old male for stealing merchandise from the store. The two suspects were issued summonses to appear in court and released. Later that evening at approximately 8:10, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 28-year old male of Salem for the possession of drug paraphernalia. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Sunday morning, May 27th, at almost 11:00, an officer transported a 19-year old male of Salem from Phelps County Jail to Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

This Thursday morning starting at 10:30 and lasting about an hour, all preschoolers are invited to explore rhymes and rhythm at Rhyme Tyme Preschool Program at the Salem Public Library. This story time comes complete with silly songs and a simple craft as part of the fun! The library is located at 403 North Jackson Street in Salem. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

It’s time for the “Libraries Rock” Summer Reading Program for students in grades 6 through 12 at the Salem Public Library at 403 North Jackson Street. Those students are invited to get creative at the library! Prizes will be awarded for the most awesome entries in 2 categories: for those in grades 6-8 and those in grades 9-12. The artwork may be drawn any time between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM this Thursday. Judging will take place at 5:30 PM. For more information, call the Salem Public Library at 729-4331.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated Montauk State Park received five inches of rain on Thursday evening in just under an hour and a half and another 2.5 inches on Saturday afternoon. Road crews had to address damages to the roads around and to the park. After the Saturday rain, Dent County Road 6600 sustained extensive damage as the road and road base eroded causing a hole of about 30 feet wide and 20 or so feet deep, totally washing out the road. Road crews from both districts put 26 truckloads of gravel in the crevice to make the road passable. Crews were continuing to work on washouts throughout both districts. Purcell said that regular grading schedule for the county has been postponed as the crews continue their emergency repairs. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be added and grading would be done on Dent County Road 2510 while materials will be added and patch grading done on county road 2120. Grading is also going to be done on Dent County Road 4430. Larson said grader #27 was being worked on with a hydraulic line that blew out. Larson went on to say that a man would be patching pot holes on chip and seal roads with the ultimate paving material. Larson again wanted to remind everyone to be patient as the county continues to address emergency road situations before their normal grading schedule can be addressed. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended an MRPC Investment Committee meeting Friday to discuss the fee structure that member cities and counties will need to pay to the MRPC. The committee will make their recommendation to the entire MRPC Board. Skiles also said the time is now for all entities involved to review the draft of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Dent County and make their comments by June 13th. It is also imperative the entities involved in the program, which includes the schools, need to submit a record of the time they have put in reviewing the plan to MRPC. This will help reduce the cost of the plan to the county. That information needs to be submitted as quickly as possible. For more information, people or entities can contact Ryan Dunwoody at 265-2993. The commission received one carpet bid for the courthouse courtroom and adjacent areas and elected not to open the bid. Instead they elected to re-bid the project and extend the deadline to June 24th at 10:00. The county did receive three bids for the installation of the windows on the 3rd floor of the courthouse. The county selected the bid from Armin Scheller of Restoration Services for $10,750.00. Kendra Mobray from the Dent County Health Center was in to make a presentation to the commission to get a resolution that would allow the health center to become part of the St. Louis County’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. The commission voted to approve moving forward to join the program as it applies to Schedule 2 through 5 narcotic prescriptions at an annual cost of $264.10. A resolution to that effect will be presented at the next commissioner meeting that will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse it will be open to the public.

The Salem Police Department has released the following reports. On Thursday evening, May 24th, at about 8:24, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of West First Street in reference to a domestic disturbance. The investigation of the report revealed that a 45-year old male of Salem had assaulted a 20-year old female of Salem. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was incarcerated pending the application for a warrant. Later that night at approximately 10:26, an officer was dispatched to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 41-year old male of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $22.47. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Then on Friday morning, May 25th, at about 8:26 an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of North Pershing Street in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown took a push type lawn mower valued at $300.00. The report is under investigation. That afternoon at approximately 2:00, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 600 block of South Hickory Street in reference to a theft from a vehicle. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown took a Stihl weed eater valued at $329.00 from the back of a truck. The report is under investigation. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

An accident happened in Crawford County on Highway 8 just east of Eagle Hurst Road at 4:15 Sunday afternoon. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Ford Fusion driven eastbound by 22-year old Cody Miller of St. James was slowing to turn into a driveway when the Ford was struck from behind by a 2018 Ford Mustang by 21-year old Bennett Covington of Cadet, Missouri. Suffering minor injuries was 36-year old Tara Martin of St. James who was a passenger in the Fusion. She was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing seat restraints. The Ford Mustang was totaled and the Fusion sustained extensive damage. Both vehicles were removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing of Steelville.

To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, Ameren Missouri customers will see natural gas rates drop under a filing that took effect on Friday, June 1st. Residential customers in Ameren Missouri’s Rolla service area that includes Rolla, Salem and Owensville, will see natural gas rates drop by approximately $0.09 per Ccf. Approximately 55% to 60% of a customer’s current natural gas bill reflects the cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers. The wholesale cost of natural gas is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission, but they do conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Ameren Missouri serves about 129,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.

The Salem Board of Aldermen will be meeting tonight at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers for their regular meeting. The board will review bids for fiberglass primary electric enclosures, 2,500 feet of 4/0 aluminum TRXLPE underground primary wire, utility poles, and transformers. City Attorney William Camm Seay will announce a public hearing was held before the Alderman meeting on the annexation of Al Brown Fields and properties on North Water Street. Following the consent agenda Gary Brown, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, will report on the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and hearing held prior to the Board of Alderman meeting. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report followed by Mayor Brad Nash’s report. Bill #3389, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement between the City of Salem and Premier Pyrotechnics, Inc., for the 2018 fireworks display at The Commons July 4th will be introduced and read. Under new and miscellaneous business, the Library Board is requesting approval to appoint Josh Gordon to the Library Board. Street Superintendent Gary Glenn will request approval to purchase cold mix to repair streets in the amount of $4,319.70. The board will go into closed session to discuss personnel and real estate.

The Dent County Sheriff’s office has released some reports. On Tuesday, May 29th, deputies responded to the 9000 block of Route H for a report of a burglary. After an investigation, it was determined that a 30-year old Salem man had kicked in the door of a residence and entered the house. He was located in the ditch line about 100 yards from the house. He was arrested for 2nd degree burglary and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Wednesday May 30th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 4110. The driver, a 20-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while under the influence. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. On Friday, June 1st, deputies responded to Dent County Road 4155 for a report of trespassing. It was discovered that a 38-year old Salem man at the residence had a warrant. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. If anyone has information on any incident, please call the sheriff’s department at 729-3241.

Public comment is now being accepted, until June 13, 2018, on the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan is available for review on Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s website at www.meramecregion.org and click on publications. The plan is located under the Hazard Mitigation Plans for Dent County. A hard copy of the plan is also available at the Dent County Courthouse. The purpose of the plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. It is required that the county have a plan in place in order to be eligible for several Federal Emergency Management Agency grant programs. Several entities participated in the planning process to update the plan, including the Dent County Commission, City of Salem, Salem R-80 School District, Oak Hill R-1 School District, Dent-Phelps R-III School District, North Woods R-IV School District, Green Forest R-II School District, Dent County Health Department, The Salem News, Healthy Dent County, Salem Memorial District Hospital, KSMO Radio, Lenox Fire Department, Montauk Fire Department, Intercounty Electric, Seville Care Center, Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Dent County Fire Department. The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) facilitated focus group meetings and assisted these entities in developing the plan. Following a public comment period, a final draft will be created and sent to FEMA and SEMA for review and approval. If you need assistance locating the plan or have questions, please contact Ryan Dunwoody at MRPC at 573-265-2993.