Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met at the courthouse Monday morning for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the taxes received by the county in the month of February. Williams stated the county received $62,290.32 in General Revenue funds which is $10,900 more than for February of 2017. For the year, the sales tax revenue for General Revenue for 2018 is up 8.48% from 2017 or $22,703.06. Williams said the tax money received for the Road and Bridge Funds came in at $30,265.00 which is $5,200.28 more than February of 2017, and for the year the sales tax revenue for Road and Bridge Fund is up $4,419.31 or 8.44%. The sales tax revenue for the two jail funds came in at $132,032.16. Since this is a new fund, so far the county has received $394,824.18 for the new jail and justice center project for the months from November through February. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell indicated crews were out Sunday treating chip and seal roads and subdivisions. He said they will continue to respond to calls if people have issues with roads in the county. Purcell did say that repairs were being made to the snow plow on truck #119. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson said crews continue to monitor the roads and treat slick spots where needed. He did say workers were working on truck #124 that had some tailgate issues. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported the commissioners attended their required annual training last week. He said he attended the Salem Area Community Betterment Association annual meeting Monday night. All the commissioners wanted to extend their deepest sympathies to the families of Dr. Ted Ziske and former County Clerk Gary Leonard for their losses. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Last Monday, February 5th at the Salem Community Center@The Armory, nearly 60 community members and local leaders participated in the public meeting for the Salem 2040 community visioning project. Students from Drury University in Springfield facilitated a process for the participants to identify high priority long-term goals, objectives and strategies that our community might consider. Some initial ideas that were discussed included goals such as becoming a place that youth stay in the community and return to after college, being a sustainable community, a town with big city amenities and small town charm, among many others. The students used a unique game method for guiding conversations and reaching consensus with participants. If you could not attend the first meeting, the next public meeting will be held Monday, February 26th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Salem Community at the Armory. At this meeting, the Drury students will present a variety of vision sketches based on the information gathered from the community visioning workshop and discussion with community leaders. These “What if” ideas are intended to elicit discussions and broaden the community’s awareness of potential improvements. You can be a part of the conversation for shaping Salem’s future by attending the next meeting on February 26th and bring a friend! Everyone is welcome. If you would like more information, call Ray Walden at 729-2428 or Sarah Massengale at 729-3196.

The Salem Rotary Club will be holding their annual Pancake Day this Saturday at the Middle School Cafeteria from 7:00 until 11;00 in the morning. The cost is $6.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Everyone is welcome!!!

The Salem Memorial District Hospital is requesting bids from qualified contractors for the removal and replacement of exterior concrete walks and curbs. Plans, specifications and bid documents are available from Hospital Administrative Office. A Mandatory pre-bid conference and site walk will be held at 9:00 in the morning this Wednesday, February 14th in the Physician Library. The successful bidder shall comply with applicable State provisions about the payment of prevailing wages on public works projects. For more information, call 729-6626 and ask for the administration office.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and History has been chosen to participate in an ENDOWMENT match opportunity from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) in Springfield, MO. The CFO has over 650 affiliated agencies in Missouri, and only ten were selected to participate. The Board of Trustees of the Bonebrake-McMurtrey Foundation is elated to have this opportunity to raise money for the perpetual endowment fund. In past years’ fundraising with the Give Ozarks Day campaign coordinated by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the Bonebrake Center has been able to repaint and repair the exterior of the house, put a new roof on the cabin, and, this year, renovate the bathroom. Generous donations from members of the Dent County area and beyond made these projects possible. However, there will be NO Give Ozarks Day this year, but the CFO has chosen the Bonebrake Center to receive $5,000 for the endowment fund if the Board of Trustees can raise $10,000. The hard part is that there is only one month in which to do this–February 2018. The $10,000 must be raised by February 28, 2018 in order to qualify for the additional $5,000 match. Executive Director Libby Sanders noted that since the inception of their organization in 1988, they have been committed to building the endowment fund. They are determined to see the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History continue to thrive, and even in the leanest of times, the endowment funds have never been touched. All memorials (unless otherwise specified by the donor) are invested in an endowment account, and 10% of any income of $500 or more also deposited into an endowment account, so the endowment continues to grow yearly. The ultimate goal is to have a large enough endowment fund that the basic operating expenses of the Bonebrake Center are covered by income generated through interest and leveraged grants, with fundraising only for special needs. If you, as a business, individual, or agency, can help the Bonebrake Center toward that goal, please contact the Bonebrake Center (601 North Hickory Street, Salem, MO 65560, 573-729-3400, or e-mail them at bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com) or any member of the Board of Trustees immediately. Members of the Board are Carilee Ball, Jamin Bray, Mike Godi, Bonnie Gray, David Massengale, Austin Mitchell, Nancy Moenster, Libby Sanders, Jason Stotler and Stephanie Strader. This opportunity is one that shouldn’t be missed! If you have questions or need more information, contact Libby Sanders at 573-247-0279.

A REMINDER: All interested drivers for the DAV/VFW Veteran’s Van will need to attend the driver orientation that will be held tomorrow afternoon, February 13th from 5:00 to 6:00 at the American Legion Post. If you would like to become a driver, need more information on the driver orientation or have any questions, please contact Richard LaBrash at 729-1394.

An accident happened in Phelps County Sunday morning at 10:00 on private property adjacent to Phelps County Road 2080 about four miles north of Rolla. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 Polaris Ranger RZR driven northbound by 40-year old Jerry Birdsong of Rolla, was power sliding in a circular motion on his Polaris when the RZR hit a patch of thawed turf, overturning the Polaris. Birdsong and a passenger on the Polaris, 53-year old Cindy Freeman of Rolla, each suffered moderate injuries and were taken by the St. James Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Neither person was wearing safety gear at the time of the accident. The Polaris had little damage and was left at the scene.

There is currently a petition drive to have a state funeral for the last Medal of Honor recipient from World War II that would honor all 16 million of those courageous men and women who fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Of that sixteen million, only 464 received the Medal of Honor, of which only four recipients remain alive today. They are Hershel “Woody” Williams, U.S. Marine Corp Corporal of West Virginia; Charles Coolidge, U.S. Army Technical Sergeant of Tennessee; Robert D. Maxwell, U.S. Army Technician Fifth Grade of Oregon; and Francis S. Currey, U.S. Army Private First Class of New York. Back in September of 2017, a nationwide petition drive was launched to convince the President of the United States to designate a state funeral in Washington D.C. for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. In the history of the United States there has never been a state funeral held for an enlisted person, while the honoring ceremonies has been reserved for presidents, vice-presidents, generals and other high ranking officials. This single state funeral would provide special recognition for all Medal of Honor recipients, and serve as a final salute to the “greatest generation” of men and women who served during World War II. Petitions are located at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, American Legion Post #99, and various business locations around Salem, Dent County and surrounding counties. Signers of the petition must be a registered voter. If you have questions or concerns feel free to contact Richard LaBrash, State Chairman of the World War II Salute Initiative in Missouri, at (573) 729-1394 or people can go online at WorldWar2Salute.org to sign the petition.

An accident happened Sunday morning in Dent County on Highway 19 north about a half mile north of Highway 117. According to the highway patrol, a 2011 Ford Fusion driven by 21-year old Steven Baez of Salem, failed to negotiate a curve causing the Fusion to cross the centerline and travel off the left side of the roadway. The Fusion then struck a culvert pipe and began to overturn. A passenger in the Fusion, 23-year old Natasha Hudson, was ejected from the car and suffered serious injuries. She was flown by Air Evac to the Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Another passenger, 22-year old Lane Hudspeth suffered moderate injuries, was taken by the Steelville Ambulance to the Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Hudson was not wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident while Baez and Hudspeth were. Baez suffered no injuries but was arrested with a felony DWI that resulted in a serious injury, driving without having a valid driver’s license and failure to drive on the right side of the roadway resulting in a traffic crash. The Ford Fusion was totaled in the accident and was removed from the scene by Whitakers’ Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Office and Dent County Fire Protection District.

An accident happened in Dent County this Wednesday afternoon at 5:45 on Dent County Road 4410 on private property that left a 58-year old man with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2010 Volkswagon Jetta driven westbound by 58-year old Edward Deubler of Boss, went off the left side of the road and struck a utility pole. Deubler, who was not wearing a seat restraint, suffered serious injuries and was flow to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The Jetta sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

An accident happened Wednesday evening at 6:15 in Dent County on Highway 119 about 12 miles southwest of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, a 2007 Chevy Tahoe driven northbound by 24-year old Tiffany Taylor of Salem, attempted to avoid a deer in the roadway when he went off the road and struck a fence and small tree. Taylor suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Taylor was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Chevy Tahoe sustained minor damage and was driven from the scene. The highway patrol was assisted by the Dent County Sheriff’s Department, Montauk Fire Department and Salem Ambulance at the scene.

The Salem Area Arts Council will be holding a Couple’s Art Party TONIGHT. Just in Time for Valentine’s Day! The cost of the program is $40 for couples who will get a chance to spend a little adult time, and $25 for singles and it will be held the Creative Arts Center behind the ONCRC on Highway 19 south. All the supplies are provided (such as easels, brushes, acrylic paints, aprons, etc.) and no talent or previous experience is required, just a happy spirit and a willingness to give it a try. You can make your reservations by calling 247-0279. Bring your own personal style and your favorite beverage and they will do the rest!

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. After approval of the consent agenda, Sewer and Water Superintendent Jack Emory presented bids for the removal of bio solids out of the reed beds. Godi Excavating was approved as the lowest bidder to do the job using his equipment at a cost of $5,200. Parks and Recreation Director Tye Lydon reported on the Park Board meeting held prior to the Alderman meeting. Youth basketball was up 35% this year and a player code of conduct has been created for next year’s sporting season. The Park Board approved a healthy concessions policy that would have 60% healthy food choices in all concession stands. Healthy Dent County will purchase up to $10,000 in needed equipment to ensure fresh healthy foods, this includes refrigeration coolers, panini presses, blenders, etc. The youth soccer season will run April 7th through the 28th and all games will be played on Saturdays at Al Brown Fields. Signups are going on now thru February 23rd. A Summer Kick-off event will be held on Saturday, June 2nd at the City Park to celebrate the grand re-opening of the city pool and new splash pad. This free event will include food trucks, free admission to the pool, and a free movie night at the pool. A summer camp will be held at the park this year with all age group of children. The camp will have different themes throughout the summer. New signs at the park entrances, new pavilion signs and security cameras at the park will be implemented in the near future. The Park Board has committed $50,000 towards the construction of a new gymnasium as part of the NAP grant received by Healthy Dent County. Church League Co-ed slow pitch softball will be held on Mondays in April with signups going on now. The Alderman approved submitting an application to place a Freedom Rock at the park entrance. This will be a large rock, with a painting depicting a tribute to veterans. The Park Board recommended moving forward with the pool house renovation using Duggan Construction and Westport Pools. This project was to be done as a change order to the original pool contract with Westport Pools, but City Attorney Camm Seay needed additional documentation before he recommended the action to the board. This motion was postponed. City Administrator Ray Walden thanked citizens for attending the Drury Visioning project held Monday evening. The next session will be February 26th at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory. The city will conduct a public awareness campaign regarding the new trash bins. The current ordinance states that bins must be placed at curbside no more than one day prior to pick up and must be removed one day after pickup. Bins are not allowed to be left curbside on a continual basis. The board approved hiring a recruiting service for a total of up to $7,500 to fill the Economic Development Director position. The next alderman meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 20 and city offices will be closed Monday, February 19th because of the Presidents Day holiday. The aldermen approved Bills No. 3359, 3360, and 3361, ordinances required in order for the City to receive additional funds from the State Block Grant for work done at the Airport. The board approved a $50 fee to be added to the City Hall Rental agreement to allow renters to decorate the day before their scheduled event. Immediately following the adjournment before the board could go into closed session, a group of concerned citizens asked to speak to the Mayor regarding their high utility bills.

ATTENTION: All interested drivers for the DAV/VFW Veteran’s Van will need to attend the driver orientation that will be held Tuesday afternoon, February 13th from 5:00 to 6:00 at the American Legion Post. If you would like to become a driver, need more information on the driver orientation or have any questions, please contact Richard LaBrash at 729-1394.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Friday morning, January 26th at approximately 11:42, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 1200 block of North Jackson in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed a person or persons unknown broke the back glass, valued at $250.00, out of a 1996 Ford Taurus that was parked in a garage. The report is under investigation. Later that day at approximately 12:56 in the afternoon, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to the fraudulent use of a credit card. That investigation revealed a male suspect used a stolen credit card to make purchases valued at $53.09. The report is under investigation. Still later that evening at about 9:15, an officer located two suspects that had active arrest warrants from Texas County at a residence in the 700 block of West International. One suspect, a 38-year old male of Houston, Missouri was taken into custody on the warrant as well as possession of a controlled substance and for investigation of credit card fraud. The other suspect, a 39-year old female of Salem, was taken into custody on the active arrest warrant. Both suspects were incarcerated pending extradition and application for warrants. That same night at approximately 11:26, an officer located a 23-year old male of Salem in the 900 block of North Pershing who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation.

An accident happened at 4:32 Sunday afternoon in Iron County on Highway 32 about seven miles west of Banner that took the life of a Salem woman. According to the highway patrol report, a 2000 Ford Explorer driven westbound by 32-year old Heather Sapaugh of Salem, went out of control on the ice covered roadway. The Ford traveled off the roadway, overturned and ejected Sapaugh from the vehicle. She was taken to the Iron County Medical Center in Pilot Knob by ambulance where she was pronounced dead at 6:56 Sunday evening. Passengers in the Ford included 10-year old Timothy Tennyson of Salem, two-year old Lucy Sapaugh of Salem and 13-year old Jessica Stringer of Salem. They all suffered minor injuries and were taken to the Iron County Medical Center by ambulance. According to the report, Sapaugh was not wearing a seat restraint while the children were in seat restraints. The Ford Explorer was totaled and removed from the scene by Abney Wrecker in Viburnum.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 4:30 in Texas County on Highway 32 at Hog Creek leaving four Salem individuals with injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 2008 Nissan Frontier driven northbound by 47-year old Rodger Arvin of Salem traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a sign and overturned. Suffering minor injuries were the driver, Rodger Arvin, 41-year old Shannon Arvin of Salem, two-year old Rodger Arvin, Jr. of Salem and 10-year old Allena Crites of Salem. Everyone was taken to the Texas County Memorial Hospital as first responders took Rodger Arvin and an ambulance transported the passengers. The Nissan sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Triangle Towing.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 2:30 on Interstate 44 just east of Rolla that left two Rolla residents with injuries. According to then highway patrol, a 2011 Honda Civic, a 2012 Chrysler Minivan and 2006 Chrysler Pacific were stopped in traffic with a 2018 Kenworth Tractor slowing for the traffic. At that time, a 2013 Volvo Tractor driven by David Strojkovic of Mount Pleasant, Illinois, lost control on the snow covered roadway and struck the 2011 Honda Civic, the 2018 Kenworth Tractor Trailer and 2012 Chrysler Minivan that was being driven by 57-year old Pitts Lesesne of Rolla. The Chrysler Minivan then struck a 2013 Dodge Ram and the Ram then struck the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. Suffering serious injuries was a passenger in the Chrysler Minivan, 53-year old Paula Lesesne of Rolla and the driver, 57-year old Pitts Lesesne of Rolla, suffered moderate injuries. They were taken to the Phelps County Regional Medical by the Phelps County Ambulance. Everyone in the accident was wearing their seat restraint. All the vehicles came to rest blocking the eastbound lanes of Interstate 44. The Honda Civic and Chrysler Minivan were totaled, and the 2013 Volvo Tractor sustained extensive damage. The other vehicles had only minor damages and were driven from the scene. C&C Towing removed the other three vehicles with damages.

An accident happened Sunday afternoon at 3:45 in Laclede County on Interstate 44 eastbound at the 137.8 mile marker. According to the highway patrol report, a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by 53-year old Paul Garrett of Waynesville and a 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by 46-year old Jimi Smith of Rolla were both stopped in traffic from a previous crash. While waiting, a 1999 Ford Econoline Van driven by 34-year old Kevin Baum of Waynesville, failed to stop and struck the Tahoe from behind which caused the Tahoe to strike the Silverado from behind. The Ford Econoline Van then went down an embankment. Suffering moderate injuries from the Tahoe were 33-year old Kayce Smith of Rolla and 13-year old Griffen Smith from the Tahoe. Baum, the drive of the Ford, also suffered moderate injuries in the accident. All three were taken to the Mercy Hospital in Lebanon. The Ford and the Tahoe were totaled in the accident while the 2004 Chevy Silverado sustained only minor damage and was driven from the scene. Everyone involved was wearing seat restraints when the accident happened.

The Dent County Commission met Monday morning at the Dent County Courthouse for their regular meeting. In the road report, District One and District Two Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Gary Larson both indicated work crews would be out checking all the chip and seal roads for slick spots and treat them if necessary. Crews will also be inspecting the snow removal and salt spreading equipment to make sure that is ready for the next storm system. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he attended the GRO Visionary meeting held Monday night at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. He went on to say the regular commissioner meeting scheduled for Thursday will not be held due to the annual commissioner training. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reported her office balanced with the assessor and collector offices on all the monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for January. She reported the first day to vote absentee in the April 3rd, 2018 Municipal Election will be Tuesday, February 20th in her office. You must have a legitimate reason if you want to vote early. She also wants to remind all voters that Missouri now requires a picture ID when you vote. That can be your Missouri Driver’s License, military ID, Passport or a state issued Missouri ID for non-drivers. The next meeting of the commissioners will be Monday, February 12th at 9:00 AM at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

ATTENTION: All interested drivers for the DAV Veteran’s Van will need to attend a driver orientation that will be held Tuesday afternoon, February 13th from 5:00 to 6:00 at the American Legion Post. If you would like to become a driver, need more information on the driver orientation or have any questions, please contact Richard LaBrash at 729-1394.

Native trees, shrubs, and woody vines can help improve wildlife habitat and soil and water conservation while also improving the appearance and value of your private property. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) George O. White State Nursery near Licking offers Missouri residents a variety of native seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks, erosion control, wildlife food and cover, and other purposes. The State Nursery provides mainly one-year-old bare-root seedlings that vary greatly depending on the species. Seedlings varieties include pine, pecan, oak, dogwood, cottonwood, sweetgum, cypress, birch, hickory, willow, persimmon, pawpaw, deciduous holly, redbud, wild plum, ninebark, witch hazel, serviceberry, mulberry, elderberry, and many others. Seedlings are available in quantity bundles of 10, 25 or 100 per species. Prices for seedling quantities range from $6-32 per bundle. You can receive a 15-percent discount up to $20 off seedling orders with a Heritage Card. Orders can be placed now until April 15, 2018. Orders can be placed now by fax, Internet or mail. Onceyou submit an order, you should receive a billing card within about two weeks. If you DO NOT receive a billing card, call the nursery at 573-674-3229. Orders will be shipped or can be picked up at the State Nursery starting this month through May. Quantities are limited so order early. Find images and information on available items as well as and ordering information in the Department’s 2017-2018 Seedling Order Form catalogue. The catalogue is available at MDC regional offices and nature centers, online at mdc.mo.gov or by calling the State Nursery at 573-674-3229.

Salem Junior Brock Thompson’s pencil drawing of the Dent County Courthouse and was named the 2018 Senate Show Exhibition winner by Senator Dan Brown! The Senate Exhibit showcases fine art work done in the all 34 senate districts. Brock’s artwork will be on display for one year in the Senate hallway, which connects the senate parking lot to the Capitol ground floor entrance. Congratulations Brock!

The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Transportation invite Missouri public, private, and home-schooled students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade to help fight litter in a creative and fun way by participating in the 2018 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter-Free” trash-can-decorating contest. The contest encourages school classes and school groups to join in the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter-prevention message using a variety of creative media. Schools may submit one entry in each competition category: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Entries are judged based on creativity, adherence to contest rules, and effective use of theme and logo. First-place winners from each competition category will receive $200 awarded to the sponsoring schools. All first-place winners are then eligible for a grand prize of a trophy and $600 awarded to the sponsoring school. There is no entry fee for the contest. Participating school groups must submit a completed entry form online with no more than three photos to nomoretrash.org by Friday, March 16. Contest rules, entry forms, logo, and past contest entries and winners can also be found at nomoretrash.org. There is no entry fee for the contest

The Salem Area Arts Council is hosting a stained glass workshop series beginning Thursday, February 8th from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and continuing on the second Thursday of each month for the next several months at the Creative Arts Center in Salem behind the ONCRC at 202 South Main in Salem. These workshops are especially designed for individuals wanting to create a stained glass piece that will take several sessions to complete, although individuals only wanting to do a small project that can be completed in one night may also come. Led by artist and art teacher Amber Pryor, all materials are provided to make your project to take home. There is a maximum enrollment of 8, so register early. The cost is $25 per session and reservations can be made by calling 247-0279 and arranging to pay your fee to hold your spot. This is NOT appropriate for young children or women who are pregnant.

The Salem High School had 20 students who were named to the SCA All-Conference Honor Band. They are Emma Schott, Desirae Scott, Jainey Pettus, Faith Jasper, Laura Benowitz, Emily Cunningham, Shawnna Conner, Martin Jones, Jacob Stacy, Marina Mitani, Christopher McSwain, John Stark, Chrissie Warner, Chuck Van Dien, Gillian Johnson, Jon Gallagher, Collin Hinderliter, Kira Lacy, Austin Merritt and Hayden Gotchal. Congratulations to all the band members!

The Salem Police Department has submitted more reports. On Monday afternoon, January 22nd at approximately 1:17, an officer was contacted in reference to property damage. The investigation of the report revealed that a person or persons unknown cut the tires on three vehicles that were parked in the 600 block of East Coffman. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday afternoon, January 23rd at approximately 1:11, an officer was dispatched to a residence in the 700 block of South Macarthur in reference to a theft. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown took the license plates valued at $27.75 from a maroon 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The report is under investigation. Later that afternoon at approximately 2:15, an officer was detailed to the Salem High School in reference to an assault. The investigation of the report revealed a 12-year old male juvenile of Salem had assaulted a 12-year old male juvenile also of Salem. The juvenile suspect was released to a parent and the report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. On Wednesday afternoon, January 24th at approximately 5:26, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 23-year old male of Salem for driving while having his license revoked. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242 if you have information regarding any ongoing investigation ongoing.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports. On January 22nd, deputies responded to a residence in the 33000 block of Highway 72 in reference to a burglary. It was discovered that a storage building had been broken into and several items, including antique and metal signs, were stolen. This report is still under investigation. On January 26th, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Highway 32 West for a burglary. It was discovered that someone had broken into a detached garage and stolen a blue stand up air compressor on wheels and a Briggs and Stratton 6500 watt generator. This report is still under investigation. On January 28th, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Route P for a report of a domestic disturbance. It was discovered that an assault had occurred and a 55-year old Salem man was arrested. He was incarcerated in the Dent County Jail and charges were sought for domestic assault. If anyone has information regarding any ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Office at 729-3241.

Forms for the 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture are due February 5th. The University of Missouri Extension economists urge farmers to complete the census. It can be returned by mail or securely submitted online at agcensus.usda.gov. MU Extension economist Ryan Milhollin says federal, state and local governments as well as agribusinesses, researchers, trade associations and others use the data to serve farmers and rural communities. Milhollin says the The Census of Agriculture is the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial data for every county in the U.S. USDA conducts the survey every five years and the law requires a response, even if you are no longer farming. The census forms are to be returned to USDA statisticians based in Columbia. Otherwise, USDA follows up with mailed questionnaires, phone calls or visits from a USDA enumerator. Information from the Census of Agriculture shapes programs that benefit many farm groups, including MU Extension programs. It gives a picture of the economic impact of agriculture in the country. Data collected helps policymakers see emerging trends such as young and beginning farmers and ranchers; women, veteran and minority farmers and ranchers; specialty crops; and organic production. The Census data helps legislators make decisions that protect the future of agriculture. For more information, call 888-424-7828 (toll-free) or contact Robert Garino at 573-876-0950.

Owls have fascinated mankind for centuries, from the wise owl of the Greek goddess Athena to Winnie the Pooh’s friend. To learn more about these creatures of the night, join rangers from Ozark National Scenic Riverways on an Owl Prowl at 5:30 in the afternoon on Friday, February 2nd, beginning at the Alley Spring General Store. Those attending will learn fact and folklore about these little understood hunters of the night. Using recorded owl calls, rangers will try to get the owls to answer and maybe even approach close enough for a good look! The walk will be less than a mile, but please come prepared because it may be chilly! Visitors can enjoy hot drinks at the General Store before and after this free program. The Alley General Store is on the grounds near Alley Spring, located six miles west of Eminence on Highway 106. Please dress warmly and make sure all children are accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact Ranger Josh Chilton at (573) 226-3945