Local News

The Dent County Commissioners met for their regular meeting Thursday morning in the Dent County Courthouse. In the road report, District One Commissioner Dennis Purcell reported that grading would be done and materials would be added to Dent County Road 2490, while grading only would be done on county roads 5450 and 5220. He went on to say that he had a man piling the chips that are being hauled in for this summers chip and seal work. Purcell noted that a crew had installed two foot by two foot Missouri Farmers Care Agri Ready signs on the county roads at the county line. He went on to say that the Commissioners realize that roads are rough and there are potholes, but the crews are getting to them on a rotational basis and the roads will be graded. District Two Commissioner Gary Larson reported that grading would be done on Dent County Roads 4300, 6160, 2500, and 2520, while county road 3220 would have materials added and it would also be graded. Larson said that county road 2630 would have materials added to it. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles reported that on Wednesday he attended the MRPC Investment Board meeting in St. James where the primary issues discussed were the budget and dues structure and there would be more meetings on these issues. He reminded everyone that there would be no meeting of the Commission on Monday as they will be attending the Missouri Association of Commissioners Legislative Conference in Jefferson City. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley said that she balanced with the treasurer on all accounts for March and that she balanced with the collector and assessor on all monthly collections, abatements and add-ons for the month of March. She also said that bills were being approved by the Commissioners for payment. The next meeting of the Dent County Commission will be Thursday morning, April 12th at 9:00 at the courthouse, and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred March 20th at the intersecting streets of Parkview place and route J. According to the Salem Police report, a 2000 Ford Ranger driven by Sheri Cline of Rolla and a 2013 Ford Edge driven by Donna Nichols of Salem were westbound on route J approaching Parkview when the Ranger signaled to make a left turn. The Edge failed to stop, and contact was made with the Ranger. Cline suffered minor injuries and sought her own treatment while Nichols also suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital for treatment. Both vehicles had moderate damage.

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors held their April meeting Tuesday evening at the fire station. After approval of the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting, the Board reviewed and approved bills as presented. The Board then reviewed the budget and saw that it was close to the same amount as this time last year. The monthly reimbursement report was presented with a total of 26 calls for the month that included five calls for structure fires, two calls for a brush fire, one call for a car fire, one call for a landing zone, four calls for first responders, four calls for vehicle accidents, five calls for mutual aid, two calls for Haz-Mat, and two calls for training. The total calls year-to-date is 96. There was no old or new business brought before the Boar. During reports, Fire Chief Brad Nash reported that the UTV the district purchased has arrived at the dealership and will be ready for possible pickup next week. The Board then set their next meeting for Tuesday, May 1st at the fire station beginning at 6:00 pm and the meeting was then adjourned.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that bridge work will be done on Route F between Highway 32 and Route E starting April 9th. The maintenance work on the Holt Creek Bridge will close the road to through traffic, and traffic will be detoured around the work area. Once work is complete on the Holt Creek Bridge, contractors will begin work on the Dry Fork Creek Bridge. The project is scheduled to be completed in June. MoDOT asks drivers to plan an alternative route now ahead of the closure. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

Country Mart and Council for a Healthy Dent County have partnered together to create a “Fresh Fruit for Kids” program. Displayed at the front of the produce isle inside the Country Mart store is now a three-tier basket display filled with fresh fruit. Children 12 and under are encouraged to take a piece of fruit to snack on while shopping with their family for free! This is a part of Healthy Dent County’s “Healthy Schools Healthy Communities” initiative through the Missouri Foundation for Health which they have been a part of since 2013.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Saturday, March 24th at about 10:32 in the evening, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 24-year old male of Rolla for driving while being drugged. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same night at about 11:32, an officer from the Viburnum Police Department released a 22-year old male of Viburnum to an officer of the Salem Police Department. The suspect, who had an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem, was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending a court appearance. On Sunday morning. March 25th at about 1:57, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 39- year old female of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Monday morning, March 26th at approximately 11:45, an officer was detailed to Poplar Bluff to transport a 48- year old male of Poplar Bluff to the Dent County Jail due to an active arrest warrant from the City of Salem. The suspect was transported to Dent County Jail where he was incarcerated pending a court appearance. That afternoon at 5:43, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference to property damage to a vehicle. That investigation revealed a person or persons unknown damaged the paint on a vehicle parked in the 300 block of West Ninth. The report is under investigation. On Tuesday, March 27th at about 1:16 in the morning, an officer was detailed to a disturbance at McDonalds Restaurant. The investigation of the report led to the arrest of an 18-year old male of Salem for the possession of drug paraphernalia and being a minor in possession of intoxicants. The suspect was issued summonses to appear in court and released. That same evening at about 11:02, an officer located a 34-year old male of Salem in the 900 block of East Center, who had an active arrest warrant from Dent County. The suspect, who attempted to flee was taken into custody on the warrant and for resisting arrest. The suspect was incarcerated pending a court appearance and application for a warrant. On Wednesday morning, March 28th at about 10:53, an officer was contacted at the Salem Police Department in reference a forgery. That investigation revealed a male juvenile of Salem had stolen a check, forged it and cashed it for $200.00. The juvenile suspect was detained for the forgery and theft and released to his mother. The report will be forwarded to the Juvenile Office. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Salem Police Department at (573) 729-4242.

The Salem Board of Aldermen met Monday night at the city hall council chambers. There were no bids received on the Splash Pad Pump House construction according to Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon who then gave his report from the Park and Recreation Board March 29th meeting. The consent agenda was approved that showed the Capital Improvement Sales Tax received $50,598.53, the Park and Recreation Sales Tax Fund received $37,949.04, and the General Revenue Fund received $101,197.11. City Administrator Ray Walden reported the city is audited independently every year and the current fund balances in the city accounts come to $5.69 million dollars. He reported the Salem Community Center at The Armory had 5,552 participants for their activities in March. He said the third of four visioning sessions would be held on April 9th from 5:00 until 7:00 at the Salem Community Center and the Salem Business Expo will be held April 14th from 9:00 to noon also at the Salem Community Center. The board approved Bill #3370 that eliminates the parking on North Grand Avenue between West First Street and West Third Street, the approved bills #3371-3377 concerning the appointment of various city positions including city clerk, city attorney, public works director, director of engineering, city treasurer, chief of police and the economic development director. Those appointed positions will be for life, until resignation or they are terminated. The board approved Bill #3378 that lists the duties of the Public Works Director, approved Bill #3379 adopting a “Livable Street” policy, and Bill #3380 that adjusts the annual budget from the economic development position. The clean-up dates from WCA have been set for the weeks of May 7th and 14th. The board then went into closed session.

An accident happened Saturday afternoon at 3:23 in Dent County on Highway 19 about four miles south of Salem. According to the highway patrol report, 58-year old Gail Sherfy of St. James driving a 2007 Ford Edge eastbound, pulled into the path of a southbound 2007 GMC Yukon driven by 55-year Elizabeth Smith of Jadwin. The collision caused the Yukon to strike a 2013 Kia Sorento driven northbound by 35-year old Jackie Reinbott. Suffering serious injuries in the accident were Sherfy and a passenger in the Ford, 53-year old Kevin Hampton of St. James. Sherfy was flown by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur and Hampton was flown by Phelps Air to the Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur. Suffering moderate injuries was 55-year old Elizabeth Smith from the Yukon who was taken to the Salem Memorial District by the Salem EMS. Suffering minor injuries from the Kia in the accident were the driver, 35-year old Jackie Reinbott, and passengers 39-year old Joey Reinbott, four-year old Alexander Reinbott and one-year old Adalynn Reinbott. Also suffering minor injuries from the Kia was Barbara Shaw from Midville, Utah. Everyone in the Kia was also taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital by a private conveyance. The Ford Edge and GMC Yukon were totaled in the accident while the Kia sustained extensive damages. All three vehicles were removed from the scene by American Muffler and Tire. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat restraint.

The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 in the City Hall Council Chambers. The board will hear bids for the building of the Splash-Pad Pump House before approving the consent agenda that showed sales tax collections for the month of February for Park and Recreation Fund, Capital Improvements Fund and for the city’s General Revenue Fund. Park and Recreation Director Tye Lydon will give a report on the Park and Recreation Board of Directors meeting held Thursday, March 29th. City Administrator Ray Walden will give his report on activities in the city before Mayor Brad Nash provides his report. The board will hear Bill #3370 that regulates vehicle parking on the east and west sides of Grand Street between West Center Street and West Third Street before the board hears a number of bills concerning the appointment and terms of a number of city offices including the City Clerk, City Treasurer, City Attorney, Director of Public Works, the Director of Engineering, Director of Economic Development and Chief of Police. The board will also hear Bill #3379 adopting a “Liveable Street” policy for the city and Bill #3380 that amends the annual budget for the city. The board will discuss the Spring Clean-up dates before going into closed session to discuss real estate. The Salem Board of Aldermen meeting tonight is open to the public.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Department has released a report of a stolen firearm. According to the report, on March 27th, the victim reported that his 9mm Rock Island 1911 handgun and holster were stolen from his vehicle sometime between March 17th and March 26th. This report is still under investigation. If anyone has information regarding this theft, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has announced that bridge work will be done on Route F between Highway 32 and Route E starting April 9th. The maintenance work on the Holt Creek Bridge will close the road to through traffic, and traffic will be detoured around the work area. Once work is complete on the Holt Creek Bridge, contractors will begin work on the Dry Fork Creek Bridge. The project is scheduled to be completed in June. MoDOT asks drivers to plan an alternative route now ahead of the closure. For more information about a project, please contact MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org/central.

The Salem Police Department was contacted Tuesday by a local gas station about a device that tracks credit card information that was placed inside the gas pumps. The device was later determined to be a credit card skimmer. Someone had installed the skimmer inside of the gas pumps behind the credit card machine. The Salem Police Department was able to take possession of two devices and have them sent for analysis. The investigation into this is ongoing. At this time, the Salem Police is not certain if this was the only time this has happened. They also are not certain if these devices store the information for future use or can transmit the captured credit card information via transmitter. They are asking anyone who has used their credit card at gas stations recently to monitor their credit card accounts and bank statements for unauthorized transactions. If you have questions, contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242.

The Dent County Sheriff’s Office has released some reports. On March 17th, Dent County Deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence on Dent County Road 6400. A 41-year old Salem man, who had an active warrant from Phelps County, was located and taken into custody. He was later extradited to Phelps County. That same day, deputies responded to a report of a cat being shot on Dent County Road 5013. It was reported that the victim found her cat dead beside her house with a gunshot wound. This report is still under investigation. On March 19th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 19 near Center Street. The driver, a 21 year old Salem woman, was found to be in possession of a glass smoking device with burnt marijuana residue. She was arrested, fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released. Also on the 19th, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Highway 72 near the Salem Memorial District Hospital. The driver, a 46-year old Oklahoma man, was arrested for driving while being intoxicated. He was fingerprinted, issued a summons, and released to a sober driver. On March 23rd, deputies attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Dent County Road 2113. A 21-year old Salem man, who had an active Dent County warrant, was located and arrested. He was taken to the Dent County Jail and incarcerated. If you have information regarding any ongoing investigation, please contact the Dent County Sheriff’s Department at 729-3241.

Irvin Johnson, Kaitlynn Stephan, Kyleigh Wood, Haiden Sanders and Eva Heard participated as individuals at the tenth annual Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP) State Bullseye Tournament held March 23rd and 24th in Branson and represented the Salem Middle School. The tournament drew 3,132 student archers in grades 4-12 from a record setting 140 schools across the state. The top two scorers for the middle school Tigers in the individual competition were Johnson who had a score of 287 with 17 tens and ranked 5th out of 201 8th grade boys. Stephan shot a score of 270 and that placed her 45th out of 168 8th grade girls. The Salem High School Team that attended the tournament was made up of senior Emma Morrison, junior Manthey Caden, sophomore Jacob Walther and freshmen Bryan Heathman, Avery Gambill, Dawson Sanders, Trinity Lewis, Luke Morrison, Carley Gamblin, Michelle Street, Grace Kunkel and Austin Gilbert.This young team finished 32nd out of 32 teams in the tournament.

There will be a Hay Production program April 6th from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the evening at the MU Wurdack Farm in Cook Station. Developed by MU Extension Specialists, this program will provide the fundamental knowledge to help you lower production costs and improve net returns per acre. The cost is $40 per person, or $60 per farm couple. To RSVP by April 2nd, stop by the Dent County MU Extension Office or call 573-729-3196, or you can go to extension.missouri.edu/dent. If you would like more information, please call Ted Cunningham, MU extension Livestock Specialist at 573-729-3196.

An accident happened in Iron County Monday afternoon at 5:32 on Highway 32 about three miles east of Bixby. According to the highway patrol report, 16-year old Gabriella Courtright of Bellview, driving a 2007 Ford driven westbound, lost control of the vehicle on the wet pavement and the Ford went off the left side of the roadway and struck two highway signs. Suffering moderate injuries was a passenger in the Ford, 16-year old Jessa Griffin of Viburnum, while Courtright and another passenger, 16-year old Laynie Chandler of Bixby, suffered minor injuries. All three girls were taken by the Iron County EMS to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. All three girls were wearing seat restraints at the time of the accident. The Ford sustained moderate damages and was removed from the scene by Abney’s Towing.

An accident happened Monday night at 7:10 on Route K about a half mile north of Jadwin. According to the highway patrol report, a 2003 Buick century driven northbound by 20-year old Davidson Ziegler of Salem, traveled off the right side of the road and overturned into a fence. Ziegler suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Salem Memorial District Hospital. He was wearing a seat restraint. The Buick was totaled and removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.

The Salem Police Department has released some reports. On Thursday afternoon, March 15th at approximately 4:15, an officer was contacted in reference to a theft. The investigation of the report revealed that a 20-year old male of Salem had taken borrowed property valued at $235.00 and sold it. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect who was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Friday, March 16th at approximately 2:23 in the afternoon, an officer was detailed to Wal-Mart in reference to a shoplifter. That investigation led to the arrest of a 26-year old female of Salem for stealing merchandise valued at $187.50. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. Later that same night at about 10:44, a vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation. The investigation of the stop led to the arrest of a 36-year old male of Salem for driving while being intoxicated. The suspect was issued a summons to appear in court and released. On Saturday afternoon, March 17th at approximately 3:47, an officer located a 46-year old male of Salem in the 1800 block of South Oak who had an active arrest warrant from Crawford County. The suspect was taken into custody on the warrant and incarcerated pending extradition. Please contact the Salem Police Department at 729-4242 if you have information regarding an ongoing investigation.

The Salem Park and Recreation Board of Directors will hold their next meeting Thursday evening at 7:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. At the meeting, the board will go over the park director’s report, discuss program fees for the park activities, and discuss the swimming pool fees as well as pool party and lesson fees for the 2018 year. The park board will review the current plans for the TAP grant for the trail from near the splash-pad to the Salem R-80 Administrative Building and interject their comments or concerns. The board will get a budget update from Park and Recreation Board President Stan Podorski for the 2018-2019 year and discuss priorities. Before they adjourn, any other business before the board will be addressed. The Salem Park and Recreation Board of Directors meeting will be Thursday at 7:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory and 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 Commission met Monday morning at the courthouse for their regular meeting. Dent County Treasurer Denita Williams provided the commissioners with the CART receipts for the month of March. She said this month the county received $52,831.84 which is more than the 2017 figure of $51,738.43. Year-to-date, Williams said the CART receipts are up $1,092.96 which is less than a 1% increase. In the road report, District 1 Commissioner Dennis Purcell stated ditch work will be done and materials added on Dent County Road 4210 while other crews will be checking and cleaning out culverts in anticipation of the predicted heavy rains. Purcell also said major service will be done on grader #33. District 2 Commissioner Gary Larson reported materials would be taken to Dent County Roads 2150, 2530 and 2630. He also said rock would be hauled to the shop to be stock piled in case it is needed later. Larson did say workers would be working on a culvert pipe on county road 2530 and working on a low water slab on county road 5225. He said a crew will be out checking culvert pipes for clogs as well as installing front truck tires on county truck #124. Presiding Commissioner Darrell Skiles said he and Commission Larson attended the Feral Hog program in Eminence last Thursday and heard from a number of people about their situation with the hogs and others who have suggestions on how to stop the problem. Skiles also said Dent County Prosecutor Andrew Curley brought in a Quit-Claim Deed request from Accurate Timber Consulting, LLC from Crawford County for the old railroad right-of-way. All three of the commissioners agreed to sign the deed in front of a notary at their first opportunity. Skiles went on to report the jail committee wanted to get an update on the jail project, so Steve Davis from Shive-Hattery and Nick Smith from Septagone Construction Management will be in town on Thursday, April 5th at 3:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory to go over the progress so far on the project. Skiles said the gathering is open to the public. Dent County Clerk Angie Curley reminded everyone sample ballots are available at her office for those who would like to see what they are voting on next Tuesday ahead of time, or even see if they have to vote. She said there are no school board races for Green Forest R-2 or Dent-Phelps R-3 so those voters should not go to their polling location at those schools as they will not be open. She also said for those who vote for the R-2 or R-3 School Board who vote at either Oak Hill R-1 or the Salem City Hall, there is no need for you to come in as the there will not be ballots for you there. She said her office will be open from 8:00 in the morning until 12:00 noon Saturday for absentee voting, and again Monday, April 2nd until 5:00 PM. The polls will open at 6:00 Tuesday, April 3rd and will remain open until 7:00 PM. She said this is the first year you will need to have a photo ID to vote. She also wanted to remind those who would like to have a ballot mailed out that this Wednesday is the last day you can do that. If you have any question about your address, absentee voting or getting a mailout ballot, please call her office at 729-4144 or stop by the courthouse. Commissioner Dennis Purcell did want to report the Secure Rural Schools Act has been approved for the years 2017 and 2018, and also the PILT monies for 2018 will be fully funded which is very important in our area. The next meeting of the Dent County Commissioners will be Thursday morning at 9:00 at the courthouse and the meeting is open to the public.

An accident occurred at 7:10 Monday morning in Dent County on Dent County Road 2330 near Route DD. According to the Highway Patrol Report, a 2006 Ford Fusion, driven by 32-year old Cassandra Taylor of Salem, crossed the center of the roadway on a hillcrest, striking head on a 2007 Saturn Vue, driven by 22-year old Shelby Martin of Salem. Both vehicles came to rest in the roadway. Taylor suffered minor injuries and was transported to Salem Memorial District Hospital. The report stated that both drivers were wearing safety restraints at the time of the accident. There was extensive damage to both vehicles and they were removed from the scene by Whitaker’s Towing.