Local News

The Dent County Commission met Thursday morning at the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, Commissioners Dennis Purcell and Gary Larson reported the ground was too frozen to grade, so workers were doing general shop maintenance. Purcell also said he had a team replacing and repairing some road signs. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles wanted to remind all vendors that by state statute, no bills received after Thursday by the county can be paid until the 2018 budget is approved which will be late January. The only money the county can spend until the budget is approved by law is for payroll. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams brought in the bank deposit bids at 10:00. She reported Town and Country Bank and US Bank did not submit bids. The Bank of Salem one year bid stated the county would not have to pay fees on services from the bank and would receive 1.05% on their deposits. Progressive Ozark Bank, who is the current bank the county uses for the deposits with an interest rate of 0.65%, proposed an interest rate of 1.26% on county deposits for 2018. The commission unanimously approved the bid from Progressive Ozark Bank. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said there were bills to approve and pay, and she continues to work on the 2018 County Budget. City of Salem Mayor Brad Nash came in to discuss the possibility of the county looking into using the city’s recycling bins and trailers that would provide a service to the county residents. After some discussion about the current city program between the commissioners and a location for the sorting of the recyclables, Commissioner Larson said he would get with Jill Hollowell from the Meramec Regional Planning Commission and talk with her about any funds that might be available to assist with paying for the recycling program. Nash also talked with the commission about a visit from Brett Hendricks from the State Emergency Management Agency and he said the Dent County Emergency Management Plan met all the states guidelines. Nash said Hendricks had told him there may be some changes coming next year that could affect the plan, but he was not certain when or if that would occur. Commissioners Larson, Purcell and Skiles, and the county clerk wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and remind everyone the courthouse will be closed on New Years Day. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday, January 4th at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to anyone.

The Dent County Service Unit of The Salvation Army would like to announce that they have successfully surpassed their $30,000 goal during this year’s Christmas Kettle Campaign. The total raised was $37,363.42 to date. Along with the monetary donations received this year, 181 local children were adopted at the Angel Trees located at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory; 20 Christmas food baskets were distributed to homebound elderly clients of the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging and lap blankets, socks, gloves, scarves and hats were distributed locally to the nursing homes. The local Salvation Army Board would like to thank everyone who made monetary donations and/or adopted an angel. They also extend their greatest appreciation to the dedicated volunteers that took time out of their busy holiday season to ring the bells at the kettles. The community’s continued generosity will be distributed throughout 2018 to those less fortunate in Dent County. Thank you Dent County!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. A traffic crash would be an unfortunate way to begin 2018. Last year over the New Year’s holiday counting period, eight people died and 302 people were injured in 539 traffic crashes during the 2017 New Year’s holiday counting period. Thus, a person was killed or injured every 15.1 minutes during that time frame. The counting period will begin tonight at 6:00 and last until Monday, January 1st at 11:59 PM. If inclement weather is expected, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Depending on the weather, staying home might be your best option. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.

A meeting was held Wednesday afternoon at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to discuss the future of the recycling bins and trailers that have been at the Salem Upper Elementary School for years. Since the City of Salem included in their new contract with WCA to offer recycling to residents within the city, they have decided to eliminate the use of the recycling bins effective Wednesday, December 27th. With that decision, the bins will no longer be at the Upper Elementary School. The city received the bins and trailers from the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District through grants and they really want to keep the bins and trailers in this district to help local folks with their recycling needs if at all possible. The bins accepted #1 and #2 plastics that included clear or opaque plastic as well as the colored bottles like laundry detergent or bleach jugs, tin cans and glass. The city has a number of bins. The items collected had to be re-sorted by workers as sometimes people would include non-recyclable materials where they had to be separated before being taken to the Rolla Recycling Center. The city workers during peak times would take the bins to Rolla two to three times a week. City Administrator Ray Walden said the new contract with WCA allows for more items to be recycled and put into one provided cart at the home where the items can be taken to Lebanon and separated by a machine. The new contract does not allow for the recycling of glass. Walden said the Scenic Rivers Industries will be taking two of the bins and a trailer for their aluminum can collecting. The Scenic Rivers Industries does NOT and never did recycle glass, only the city provided that service with the bins. No one at the meeting was ready to commit to offering the same recycling services the city had in the past, but discussions will continue to see if something can be done to help county residents with their recycling needs, possibly at a different location or on a part time basis.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held a special meeting at the City Hall Council Chambers Wednesday night. The board approved Bill #3354 that authorized the Mayor to execute and the City Clerk to attest to a quit claim deed for the old railroad right-of-way between the City of Salem and the Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, Inc. that is a non-profit corporation of the County of St. Francois, and the board also approved an ordinance that authorized the mayor to execute a public improvement funding agreement with Ridge Properties 1, LLC for commercial improvements on Highway 32-72 West. The board then adjourned.

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks will be hosting a Winter Paddling Clinic on Sunday and a First Day Float on Monday, January 1st. The Winter Paddling Clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on Sunday in conjunction with their New Year’s Eve Celebration. On Monday, January 1st, paddlers will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current or Jacks Fork Rivers and gather at Current River State Park in the afternoon for a bonfire and warm beverages. Millions of floaters enjoy Missouri rivers each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Experienced paddlers continue to visit our rivers in September and October, but paddling activity can continue during the winter months with the right equipment and a few simple precautions. Winter paddling offers several advantages, including the opportunity to experience solitude on the river and the ability to more easily view wildlife and other river features often blocked by heavy vegetation during the summer. For the First Day Float, experienced paddlers are welcome to float any section of the Current or Jacks Fork River that is open. Less experienced paddlers are encouraged to float the Current River between Pulltite and Round Spring. An instructional float will be conducted from Current River State Park to Round Spring, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited to 20 participants for this free, guided activity. Reservations can be made by contacting Ranger Dave Tobey at (573) 323-8093 by Friday, December 29th. Once the First Day Float is filled to capacity, participants may sign up for the guided Last Day Float to be held on Sunday, December 31st. Instructors for the guided floats are ACA-certified. A First Day Hike will be offered at Echo Bluff State Park at 8:00 a.m. Current River State Park will provide a bonfire complete with warm beverages for paddlers and hikers throughout the day. Echo Bluff State Park is located 14 miles north of Eminence on State Highway 19. The Current River State Park is located approximately 1 mile north of Echo Bluff State Park.

The Salem Police Department released their report for the month of November. During the month, they wrote 2 equipment repair orders, 6 summons to appear in court, 3 warning tickets, and 9 traffic tickets. The Salem Police Department investigated 13 accidents, three assaults, one burglary, one report of domestic assault, four reports of domestic violence, one report of driving while being intoxicated, and three fugitive warrants. The department also responded to six requests for information and investigated one leaving the scene of an accident, one lost or stolen license plates, one minor in possession of intoxicants, one missing person, nine reports of possession of a controlled substance, two possessions of a drug paraphernalia, seven reports of property damage, 10 reports of stealing, and two reports of unlawful use of a firearm or weapon. The police department received 840 calls for service during the month and handled 115 walk-ins to the station. They spent 36 hours in court testifying and ten hours as court bailiff. The Salem Police Department drove a total of 6,653 miles and arrested 13 males and 7 females during the month of November.

The City of Salem has announced that after today, Wednesday, December 27th, the City will no longer continue processing the collection of recyclables currently done at the Upper Middle School. As part of their newest waste collection contract with WCA, they have incorporated curbside recycling in the trash service offered for their residential utility customers. City Administrator Ray Walden is inviting individuals, other businesses and community organizations to a luncheon meeting today at noon at the Salem Community Center @ the Armory to discuss the prospect of recycling options being available beyond that available for City residential utility customers. Information will be shared regarding the City’s recycling support prior to including recycling in our trash contract and what equipment and other resources might be available should there be interest in someone else offering a recycling option. Some resources might be available even for an employee based program vs. just programs open to everyone. If there is no interest in continuing the old recycling program, the city will return the related equipment (trailer and bins) purchased with grant funds from the Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District. If you have questions or need more information, contact City Administrator Ray Walden directly at (573) 729-4811.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released their report. On December 14th, Dent County deputies conducted a traffic stop on Dent County Road 6493. The driver, a 24-year old Salem woman, was arrested on a misdemeanor Dent County Warrant. She was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. On December 17th, deputies took a report of harassment. The victim reported several voicemails and emails that were lewd and threatening in nature. After an investigation, a 58-year old Salem man was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Harassment. He is currently incarcerated in the Dent County Jail with a $25,000 cash only bond. On December 21st, deputies responded to a residence on Dent County Road 4155 to serve an arrest warrant. Deputies located a 29-year old male who had violated his bond conditions. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated with a Capias bond. On Christmas Eve, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 32 West at Dent County Road 6150. The driver, a 28-year old Salem man, was arrested for driving while having his license revoked and a Phelps County warrant. He was fingerprinted, issued a citation, and released after posting bond on the warrant. On Christmas Day, deputies took a burglary report at a barn in the 5000 block of Dent County Road 2240. Numerous items were missing from inside the barn. This report is still under investigation. If you have information regarding an ongoing investigation, contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 12:15 in Crawford County on Highway 19 about two miles north of Steelville. According to the highway patrol report, a 2013 Ford Escape driven southbound by 33-year old Jesse Auten of Bixby, crossed over the centerline and struck a 2007 Chevy Malibu driven by northbound by 25-year old Tyler Turnbough of Cuba, virtually head-on. Auten suffered serious injuries and was flown by Arch 6 to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. Turnbough also suffered serious injuries and was flown by Air Evac to the Mercy Hospital as well. Both vehicles were totaled and removed from the scene by Miles and Sons Towing. Both drivers were wearing their seat restraints at the time of the accident.

An accident occurred Saturday afternoon at 12:09 on Interstate 44 at the 147.4 mile marker in the westbound lanes. According to the highway patrol report, a 2011 KIA Sportage driven by 58-year old James Paulson of Ft. Leonard Wood, was traveling westbound when he did not slow in traffic due to a prior crash. The KIA rear ended a 2012 Acura TL driven by 63-year-old James Kistner of St. Louis, which caused the Acura to rear end a 2003 Hyundai Santa Fe driven by 60-year old Donna Loper of Salem. The driver of the Kia, James Paulson suffered moderate injuries and was transported by Pulaski County Ambulance to General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital. Also suffering minor injuries in the accident was an occupant of the Acura, Donna Payne of St. Louis. She sought her own treatment. All persons involved in the accident were wearing safety restraints. The Kia sustained extensive damage and was towed by TC Towing of Waynesville. The Acura was totaled and towed by Jacks Towing of Waynesville, and the Hyundai received moderate damage and was driven from the scene.

An accident occurred in Texas County Thursday morning at 11:32 on Highway 137 near the Licking City Limits. According to the highway patrol report, a 2005 Hyundai Elantra was northbound and driven by 26-year old Angel M. Rodabaugh of Salem. The report stated that a pedestrian, 39-year old Elizabeth Edmonds of Licking, stepped into the path of the Hyundai. Edmonds suffered moderate injuries and was transported by EMS to Phelps County Regional Medical Center. There was minor damage to the Elantra.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met on Monday, December 18th. At the meeting, Administrator Kendra Mobray gave an update on recent building renovations. She said the flooring, countertops, privacy fencing, and wall mural have been completed. She also said the outpatient lab supplies have been ordered from Boyce and Bynum with lab services tentatively scheduled to begin January 2, 2018. The Health Center will offer a variety of lab tests at a discounted rate. The only cost to clients will be the cost charged by Boyce and Bynum and no lab draw fee will be collected. In order to get the lab tests, a physician’s order is required. In new business, staff from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services were in the office on December 12th and December 13th for WIC monitoring. The monitors gave positive feedback during an exit interview with Roma Jones, Joan Raulston, and Mobray as they await the final report. In aneffort to choose the next health issue for the years 2018-2021 that will pose the biggest threat to Dent County’s maternal and children’s health population, the Health Center has created an online survey open to the public. They encourage Dent County residents to answer the three simple survey questions via Facebook (on Dent County Health Center’s page), www.surveymonkey.com, or in person at the Health Center. Mobray reported influenza activity in Missouri is widespread with several cases of influenza now having been reported for Dent County since November 26th. Flu shots are still available at the Health Center. She also wants people to know that filings for the Board seat that will be expiring in April of 2018, has began and will run through January 16th, 2018. Those persons interested in filling a Board seat for this position must file in person at the County Clerk’s office at the Dent County Court House during regular office hours. It was also announced at the meeting that the Health Center, in partnership with Diaper Bank of the Ozarks, will soon begin a “Healthy Rewards” program. Each WIC client that keeps three WIC appointments will receive a free pack of diapers. Their next meeting will be held on Monday, January 18th at 5:00 and is open to the public.

Congratulations goes out to the three winners of the KSMO Radio Big Christmas Giveaway sponsored by Bottorff’s Southtown Furniture in Salem, the Fidelity Communications Salem office and Fairground Auto Plaza in Rolla. The three winners this year were Sandy Gibson, Leon Turnbough and Ron Ice. Thanks to everyone who participated in this years contest and have a very Merry Christmas from KSMO and YWT.

The Dent County Commission met for their regular meeting Thursday morning. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said grading would be done on Dent County Roads 6080, 6210 and 6220 while chip and seal county roads 5015 and 5083 would receive some patch work. Purcell said he attended the South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting Tuesday and they have seven programs that are available to the public including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Weatherization program, a home repair program, Head Start and Early Head Start and others. There are some income guidelines that apply and to find out more information, contact Sara at 729-3500. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson indicated materials would be added and grading done on Dent County Road 3410, while materials only would be added to county road 3265, and only grading would be done on county road 4403. Larson also said some repair work needed to be done on brush cutter #6. Skiles updated the commission on the Rock Island Railroad Trail saying that currently there are 300 landowners that have deeds that stated once the railroad was abandoned, that property would go back to the original landowner. He felt it was wrong for the MRPC to offer to help support a project that denies private citizens their private property rights. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said she continued to work on the budget and the courthouse would be closed on Monday and Tuesday for the Christmas holiday. Dent County Sheriff Bob Wells brought in bids to provide meals for the prisoners in 2018. Three bids were submitted and the lowest bid came from KFC/Taco Bell at $4.80 per meal. The Commissioners approved the low bid and wanted to thank the other restaurants for their bid submission. Sheriff Wells also recommended raising the jail board fee to $45 a day from the current $40 per day to house prisoners. The commission approved his request. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday, December 28th at 9:00 at the courthouse.

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen met Thursday night for their regular meeting. The board heard from auditor Kristen DeLuca about the audit for the last fiscal year ended June 30th, 2017. She gave an unmodified opinion of the financial statements which is the best that can be given as she said the financial statements are fairly stated. She showed increases in the net position for the city in their governmental operations of $382,951 and their commercial operations of $300,188. DeLuca told the board the audit went smooth with full cooperation of the city employees. Jeff Meadows from Archer Engineering presented the bids for the Ultraviolet Disinfection Equipment needed for the Salem Wastewater Treatment Facility. Meadows explained the process of equipment procurement as well as calculating operating costs and useful life in determining the best bid. He said the bid from Trojan Technologies for the horizontal bulb alignment of $114,740 with expected operating costs of $239,000 over 20 years was the best bid for the city. The board approved that bid. The board also approved the bid from Erb Equipment Company in Cuba of $10,287.47 to remove and rebuild the transmission of the Crawler for the Street Department. After the consent agenda was approved, City Administrator Ray Walden said he would bring information requested by Mayor Brad Nash on how many employees the CDL Policy and differential pay would affect to the next meeting. He will also bring to the January meeting definitive dates for the Visionary meetings with the Drury University Students about the old middle school property, and he will discuss with the Park Board about a proposed change in the baseball and softball league sponsors to raise additional funds by Parks and Rec. Director Tye Lydon before bringing the request back to the aldermen. The City Administrative offices will be closed today, Christmas Day and New Years Day. The board approved Bill #3352 that created an ordinance to annex into the city some property on Highway 32-72 West owned by the Inman Living Trust, Max and LaWanna Inman Trustees. They also approved Bill #3353 that allows the mayor to execute task order #4 pertaining to an agreement between the city and Archer Group to perform services on the project named the Highway J & 72 Water and Sewer Extension. The board approved the destruction of old police records prior to 2011 except for felony reports as permitted by state statute, and they approved the purchase of fuel for the airport in the amount of $13,853.19 from Naeger Oil from Springfield, Missouri. The board then went into closed session.

At the Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, Superintendent John McColloch thanked the community for the many recent donations to Salem R-80 School System including $28,000 from the Judson Young Foundation; $50,000 from the Douglas Dent Scholarship Fund; $1,500 from the Alumni Group; and a $150,000 donation to the Dent County Community Foundation for the start of a Constructions Trade Program. Also at the meeting after closed session, the board selected Jacob Stacy as the recipient of the local MSBA Belcher Scholarship. The meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to include safe, crash free travel as part of their holiday plans. Check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Above all, please, please obey all traffic laws, be a courteous driver, and drive sober. Last year, there were 885 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 314 were injured. During the 2016 Christmas holiday, one person was killed or injured every 14.6 minutes. The 2017 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6:00 Friday evening, December 22nd and ending at 11:59 Monday, Christmas night. Remember: Holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws. If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit volunteers will be out ringing bells to help raise funds locally with the familiar red kettle at Christmas time this Friday and Saturday for the final time this year. The red kettles will be located at Country Mart, Dollar General and Wal-Mart every Friday and Saturday until December 23rd. A number of counter kettles are also located at various locations throughout the community. The generosity of our community has been fantastic and with the help of the bell ringers to those who donate, the Dent County Service Unit is closing in on their 2017 goal of $30,000. The kettles are the primary way that funds are raised to continue to meet the emergency needs as well supplementary needs of individuals and families struggling to make ends meet in Dent County in 2018. The Salvation Army Dent County Service Unit office hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the afternoon in the Salem Community Center @ the Armory, 1200 W. Rolla Road in Salem. For more information, contact Sherry Lea at 729-8163 or e-mail dentcountysalvationarmy@gmail.com. The Salvation Army-doing the most good.

At its meeting on December 15th, the Missouri Conservation Commission approved recommendations by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for 2018-2019 turkey-hunting and deer-hunting season dates. The 2018 Spring and Fall Turkey hunting dates are April 7th and 8th for the Spring Youth Portion followed by the regular Spring Turkey Season from April 16th through May 6th. The Fall Firearms Turkey Season will be held October 1st through the 31st. The 2018-2019 Archery Deer and Turkey Hunting dates will be from September 15th through November 9th and November 21st through January 15th, 2019. The Firearms Deer Seasons will start with the Early Youth Portion on October 27th and 28th followed by the regular with November Portion from November 10th through the 20th. The Late Youth Portion of the Firearm Deer Season will be from November 23rd through the 25th followed by the Antler less Portion from November 30th through December 2md. The Firearms Deer Alternative Methods Portion of the season will be held December 22nd through January 1st, 2019. Details on hunting regulations, harvest limits, allowed methods, required permits, and other related information will be available in the Department’s “2018 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” and the “2018 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklets. Both will be available where permits are sold prior to the related seasons. Learn more about deer and turkey hunting in Missouri at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen will hold their regular meeting this evening at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. In the hearing of persons, auditor Kristen DeLuca will present the audit report. In bids, the board will discuss bids to repair the crawler from the street department, and hear bids on ultraviolet disinfection equipment for the Solid waste Treatment facility project. After the consent agenda, City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report, which will include a CDL Policy and differential pay report, locations for select board meetings in 2018, and information on a Park and Recreation Fundraising event. Mayor Brad Nash will give his report followed by the introduction and the reading of ordinance #3352, an ordinance annexing certain adjacent territory into the City of Salem owned by Max M. Inman and LaWanna L. Inman, Trustees of Inman Living Trust. Ordinance #3353 will be introduced and read, an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sign and execute Task Order NO. 4 pertaining to an agreement between the City of Salem and C.M. Archer Group, P.C. dated November 2, 2015 to perform described services on the Project Named Highway J/72 Water and Sewer Extension. In new and miscellaneous business, the board will discuss destruction of old records at the Salem Police Department and approve invoices over $3,000 before going into closed session to discuss contracts, real estate and personnel. The meeting is open to the public.

The Salem Acoustic Jam will be held Saturday night at 6:30 at the Creative Arts Center, formerly the Teachers Closet, at 6:30. Musicians and listeners of all ages and talents are invited and there is no cost. For more information, call 247-0279 or e-mail saac@embarqmail.com.

The Dent County Commissioners met Monday morning for their regular meeting. The Commissioners voted 3-0 to lift the Burn Ban established last Monday for the area. They felt the rainfall received Sunday and early Monday morning was enough to remove the immediate fire danger. They will continue to monitor the weather, but more rain is supposed to arrive this week through early Friday morning. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated grading would be done on rough spots on Dent County Roads 5150, 5160, 5170, 5380 and 6220 if time permits. He said brush would be cut on county road 5690 and a man would be stockpiling base rock at the shed. He also said he would be attending a South Central Missouri Community Action Agency meeting tonight in Winona. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson indicated grading would be done on Dent County Roads 2030 and 3180 while two men would be adding materials to and grading would be done on county road 5260. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported on the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday at the MRPC building. He said a group wanting to convert the Rock Island Railroad into a trail that would be adopted into the state park system was in to ask for a letter of support for their entire project. Some heated discussion was held on the costs to the state park system for bridge maintenance for the trail, and not to honor private property rights where the railroad easements on the deed say that if the property were not used for a railroad, it would revert back to the original landowner. The Rails to Trails Conservancy has promoted this as the next longest Rail to Trail system, but the TAC Committee voted down by a narrow vote for a letter of support for their entire project. The TAC committee thought did approve a letter of support for the piece of the trail that is in Owensville and Belle. Also at the TAC meeting, Skiles said three Dent County Projects came in 9th, 10th, and 11th in priority of the 30 projects submitted. Coming in at 9th was the Standing Rock Bridge over Gladden Creek on Highway 19 south of Salem, followed by the Bridge on Route FF over Norman Creek with the adding of shoulders on Highway 68 from Highway 19 to the Dent-Phelps County line coming in 11th. Another project, the low water crossing on Route TT in Sligo, was way down on the list, but MoDOT is very aware of that problem and has stated that unless there is a tremendous influx of funds, that project will probably not get done. Skiles said Senator Brown was in attendance at the meeting to discuss the upcoming session for the legislators. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams announced additional sales tax revenues for Dent County sent by the state. She stated the county received an additional $13,591.23 for the Road and Bridge Sales Tax Fund with the General Revenue Fund getting an additional $27,791.14. She went on to say the Law Enforcement Sales Tax Fund received an additional $27,769.66 while the two Jail Capital Improvement Funds each came in with an additional $10,579.49. American Legion Chaplain Richard Labrash was also in to let the commissioners know this is the last week to adopt-a-vet at the St. James Veteran’s Home for Christmas. The cost to adopt-a-vet is $50 per veteran. If you would like to help out, contact Richard at 729-1394. At the last meeting, Prosecutor Andrew Curley and Associate Circuit Judge Brandi Baird came in to discuss a third courtroom upstairs at the Judicial Building. The costs would be minimal and the commissioners voted to move forward with the project. The next meeting of the dent County Commission will be Thursday morning at 9:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will hold their regular board meeting at 6:00 this evening at the Salem District Administrative Offices Boardroom. At the meeting, the Board will hear from Superintendent John McColloch who will give a facilities report and provide an update on the board of education candidate filings. The principals from all the schools will give their reports before the board selects an MSBA Belcher Scholarship recipient. The board will also discuss the MUSIC renewal, consider 2017-2018 budget revisions and accept resignations. The board will then go into closed session to discuss personnel. The Salem R-80 Board of Education meeting tonight will be at the District Administrative Office at 6:00 and the meeting is open to the public.

Missourians planning to heat their homes with wood this winter should check their chimneys now. University of Missouri Extension safety specialist, Karen Funkenbusch suggests scheduling a periodic chimney cleaning to eliminate any creosote, the highly combustible byproduct given off when wood burns. When ignited, creosote can cause destructive chimney fires. You can clean your own chimney using a wire chimney brush, but Funkenbusch warns that this is hard, dirty work. Professional chimney cleaning services are available across Missouri. In addition to cleaning, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of chimney fires like using seasoned wood, which has a lower moisture content and therefore produces less smoke and burns more efficiently, by never burning cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, trash or Christmas trees in an indoor fireplace; do not use water on an extremely hot chimney fire as quick cooling can crack the tile lining or warp a metal chimney, and repair cracks or holes in older masonry flues. Sparks could get to the framework surrounding the chimney through these defects and ignite a house fire. If you do have a chimney fire, get everyone out of the house, then call the fire department. If there is a fire in the stove box or fireplace box, extinguish it with a dry-chemical extinguisher. For more information, ask for the free MU Extension guide “Cleaning Stovepipes and Chimneys” (G1735).

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released some reports for the week of December 3rd through the 8th. On Sunday, December 3rd, deputies observed a 43-year old man from Licking walking in the middle of the Highway 119. Deputies spoke with the man and he appeared to be under the influence. A consent search was conducted and a zipper case containing a plastic bag of marijuana, a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue, and a used syringe were located on him. He was arrested and taken to the Dent County Jail. He was charged with felony unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and given a $10,000 cash only bond. Later that same day, deputies responded to a call to a residence where a lock being tampered with in the 7000 block of Route O. The lock to the residence was tampered with so the owner could not use a key to unlock her door. This report is still under investigation. On Monday, December 4th, deputies responded to Dent County Road 6180 for the report of the driver’s side window of a truck being broken out. The window was valued at $300. This report is still under investigation. On Tuesday, December 5th, deputies traveled to a residence in the 3000 block of Highway 119 to attempt to serve several arrest warrants. Located at the residence were a 29-year old Salem woman, a 39-year old Licking man, and a 45-year old Roby man. All three had warrants and were taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. The Roby man has also been charged with resisting arrest and false impersonation after giving law enforcement a fake name. That same day, deputies observed a vehicle parked in a parking lot at the intersection of Routes H and C. As the deputy checked on the vehicle, a 29-year old Salem man who deputies knew had a warrant for his arrest, was found sleeping in the back seat. He was taken into custody on a Phelps County warrant and incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail. On Wednesday, December 6th, deputies responded to Private Lane 619 for the report of a domestic disturbance. Upon deputy’s arrival, it was discovered that a 46-year old Salem man at the residence had a warrant for his arrest. He was taken into custody and incarcerated in the Dent County Jail. On Thursday, December 7th, deputies took a theft report that occurred on Dent County Road 5440. Reported stolen from a barn on the residence was a cream in color bikethat was valued at $125. This report is still under investigation. If anyone has any information regarding an ongoing investigation, please call the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 573-729-3241.

An accident happened Friday morning at 10:00 in Pulaski County on Interstate 44 at the 168 mile marker in the west bound lanes about five miles from St. Robert. According to the highway patrol report, a 20-18 Chevy Equinox driven westbound by 56-year old Judy Sisk of Licking, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck the cable barrier before the vehicle came to rest. The accident occurred because Sisk suffered a medical emergency and was airlifted by a Lifeline 2 Helicopter to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. The 2018 Chevy Equinox sustained moderate damage and was driven from the scene.

To safely and effectively manage the deer population in some state parks, managed deer hunts will be held in a coordinated effort between Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation. In our area, the Current River State Park will be closed December 23rd through the 27th and again from December 29th through January 2nd, 2018, during the two managed hunts. Only the participants with managed hunt permits will be allowed in the park. The Current River Trail from Echo Bluff State Park to Current River State Park will also be closed during the hunts. There is no overnight camping at Current River State Park. Echo Bluff State Park will be open for camping and lodging. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. Dent County Collector Dennis Medlock wanted to remind taxpayers that the Collector’s Office will have extended hours from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm on Wednesday, December 27th; Thursday, December 28th; and Friday, December 29th; In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell said that ditch work was being done on Dent County Road 6255, plus materials would be added and grading would be done on that road. He noted that brush was being cut on Dent County Road 5610 and that two men were doing major service on Dump Truck #121. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading was being done on Dent County Roads 3120, 6160, 6120, 6123 and 4350. He stated that due to the dry conditions grading would be deep in spots in order to remove washboards. The deep grading would create windrows, which will be spread. He said materials would be added to Dent County Road 4340, which is the new road that was previously Public Road 401. Larson said that this week county road signs were stolen from Dent County Roads 3260, 3250, 3180, 3223 and 3230. The Commission discussed the fact that vandalism and theft of the road signs is creating a serious safety hazard for emergency first responders. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said that on Tuesday he, along with City Administrator Ray Walden, met with the SEMA representative concerning updating the 30 to 40 year old FEMA flood maps for Dent County and Salem. AMEC Foster Engineering will be compiling the updated maps, which should be a great asset to property owners, realtors, lenders, contractors, etc. Skiles noted that there is no cost to the mapping, no County signings are required, and the projected completion is set for 2020. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment and that her office continues work on the 2018 budget. Ted Cunningham was in to discuss the Extension budget for 2018. The next meeting of the Commissioners will be Monday morning in the Courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

Krystal Simpson of Salem has been appointed to Missouri Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education (P&E) Committee. Simpson earned her Associate of Applied Science degree as a paralegal and worked for five years as an administrative assistant at the South Central Regional Professional Development Department on the Missouri Science and Technology campus. She is now a homemaker and farms with her husband, Jarrod, raising cow/calf pairs and replacement heifers of Angus/Angus-cross cattle on their seventh-generation family farm in Dent County. Simpson is a member of the Dent County Farm Bureau and has served on the Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee. She is also active in the Green Forest PTO, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the Walking Faith Ministries. She represents District 8 in the south-central area of the state. As a member of the 10-person committee, she will help develop, implement and evaluate projects and programs that promote agriculture.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds the public that the deadline to apply for the 106th Recruit Class is fast approaching: Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2017. The 106th Recruit Class is scheduled to begin training on July 2, 2018. Interested persons are encouraged to take immediate action to apply for this career opportunity. To be eligible, candidates must possess a minimum of 30 college credits, or two years of federal active duty military service with an honorable discharge, or two years of full-time POST-certified experience as a law enforcement officer with arrest authority at the time recruit training begins. Interested persons can find out more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at telephone number 1-800-796-7000, or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.